As the semester wraps up, students at Duke are buzzing about the Last Day of Class (LDOC) festivities. Amidst the excitement, the Duke Emergency Medical Services (DUEMS) team prepares for a spike in emergency calls.
DUEMS, part of the police department and closely allied with Duke Life Flight, is run entirely by student volunteers. Founded in 1993 by Matt Womble, Tim Pieh, and Sacha Picard, the organization aims to create a safer campus environment.
“Training and outreach have really taken off,” says Amy Fulton, a senior and former director of DUEMS. The group not only covers major events like LDOC but also responds to emergency calls on campus, serving as the first point of contact for 911 situations. If a call comes in, dispatchers assess whether DUEMS is on duty before deciding who will respond.
Sophomore Aarushi Singh, who joined DUEMS this year, sees the impact this organization has. "EMS has empowered me," she shares. "Being able to empower others feels like a full-circle moment."
What’s significant about DUEMS is how they provide comprehensive medical services. All members are EMT certified, allowing them to handle medical evaluations and emergency treatments. They often transport patients to hospitals via their partnership with Duke Life Flight.
In addition to emergency care, DUEMS educates the community on medical preparedness. They collaborate with DuWell to offer Social Host training, teaching students how to safely manage events where alcohol is involved. This year, they’re set to reach over 2,000 students, nearly a third of the undergraduate population.
DUEMS also offers first aid and CPR training and even leads a course titled "How to Save a Life: An Introduction to Emergency Medicine." Students learn vital skills, including how to navigate the 911 system and assist in emergencies.
Engagement extends beyond the Duke campus. DUEMS conducts training programs for local middle and high school students interested in emergency medicine. Singh recently taught a session at a local church, which is part of what attracted her to the group.
The importance of organizations like DUEMS cannot be overstated. In an era where health and safety are front and center, their work paves the way for more prepared individuals in both the Duke community and the Durham area.
For anyone interested in similar initiatives or further details about DUEMS, visit their official website for more information.
Check out this related article: Discovering Brown University’s Dormitory Legacy: A Journey from University Hall to Brook Street
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