FAQ

CWRU EMS is a student-run organization that provides emergency medical assistance to the students, faculty, staff, and guests of the Case Western Reserve University community. The most fundamental mission of CWRU EMS is to provide a high standard of free emergency care and transport. Furthermore, CWRU EMS strives to serve the CWRU community by facilitating and providing educational opportunities for the student body, by offering stand-by services for major university events, and by encouraging members to participate in public health-related volunteer and community service work within the greater Cleveland area. The overarching mission of CWRU EMS is to attend to the emergent medical needs of the Case Western Reserve community while continuing to foster general interest and education in public health and safety.  

In the event of on-campus medical emergencies DIAL 216-368-3333. Remain calm. Tell the dispatcher the emergency, location, and condition of the patient. The dispatcher may ask you questions that are useful to responders; please answer them if you can. Case Western Reserve University’s Protective Services will dispatch CWRU EMS to your location. 

Yes. CWRU EMS crews are held to the same high standards as all other EMS agencies. At least two members of each three person crew are nationally and state certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and all crew members are AHA Healthcare Provider CPR certified. CWRU EMS responds in fully equipped ambulances and provides quality emergency care and transport.

To put things into perspective, we responded to 233 calls with an average response time of 5.67 minutes. The prior school year, we responded to 264 calls, with an average response time of 5.80 minutes. 

CWRU EMS is dedicated to high level basic life support care. Every crew has at least two Ohio Certified Emergency Medical Technician and another support crew member with a minimum of AHA CPR for Healthcare Providers certification. If the CWRU EMS crew determines advance life support is required such as cardiac monitoring or IV drugs, CWRU EMS can contact Cleveland EMS or Cleveland Heights Fire Department for advanced care.

During the semester, we strive to run our service 24/7. Realistically, this depends on the availability of crew members. Current hours are listed on the home page of our website. 

While CWRU EMS is not in service during some breaks, off-duty EMTs can still respond to medical emergencies.

CWRU EMS provides emergency treatment and transport at no cost. If you call for an ambulance, CWRU EMS will not charge you. However, there is an hourly fee for special event coverage.

All information will be kept in the strictest of confidence and only shared with other medical providers directly involved in providing care to you. CWRU EMS cannot release information to Housing, Greek Life, or the University.

CWRU EMS is based at 2272 Murray Hill Road. You will see the ambulances outside. Please enter through the back door. Please do not seek medical attention directly at the building; always call 216-368-3333 first.

Yes. CWRU EMS holds Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) classes in the spring semester. Additionally, CWRU EMS teaches AHA Heartsaver CPR and AED courses as well as AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers. These courses are taught regularly and can also be arranged by appointment. For more information check out the Services tab.