Ramapo First Responders Club is quickly assembling student volunteers in an attempt to regenerate the Ramapo E.M.S. program on campus.
“First Responders are very passionate about bringing Ramapo E.M.S. back to the campus because they are eager to help out their fellow students,” said freshman Rich Apramian, secretary of First Responders Club. “Many students have told me that if there’s an emergency on campus, it would make them so much more comfortable knowing that trained students are on campus ready and willing to help.”
Ramapo’s previous E.M.S. program, which ended in 2010, was unable to be sustained due to a lack of volunteers. Currently, Ramapo has a thriving First Responders Club, which, if the group finds enough volunteers, will work in conjunction with the new E.M.S. program.
“Ramapo First Responders Club would be an overarching organization that contains both the Ramapo E.M.S. squad as well as the club, which acts similarly to other clubs,” said Joshua Luster, junior and president of First Responders Club.
The First Responders Club would also work collaboratively with Ramapo E.M.S. on the scene of an emergency.
“As of now, First Responders would be on the campus, possibly at one building, and they would most likely have a pager or radio. People would sign up for certain times of the day to form a crew,” Apramian said. “If there were a call, they would go to a designated building where a First Responder vehicle would be in place. The driver would drive the vehicle to the scene of the emergency, where members of Ramapo E.M.S. would treat the patient until the paid ambulance service arrives.”
Apramian stressed that Ramapo E.M.S. would not transport patients to a hospital, but would provide treatment on the scene until medical assistance from the paid ambulance service arrived.
“During the first few minutes of any medical emergency, it is crucial to get help to the patient. This is especially important during instances where CPR is needed,” Apramian said. “For every minute that CPR is delayed, the chance that the patient can be saved goes down by 10 percent. Having people on the campus who can respond in a matter of minutes would give students and staff the peace of mind of knowing that help is only minutes away.”
Luster also explained that many local crews allow First Aiders to ride and assist EMTs on calls, and hopes this will hold true for Ramapo E.M.S.
There are currently about 20 perspective Ramapo E.M.S. members, who are currently working with administration to get the program rolling.
“We need to know if the student body supports the return of Ramapo E.M.S.” Apramian said.
Students who are interested in volunteering can e-mail Rich Apramian at rapramia@ramapo.edu. Previous qualifications are not necessary, but students with CPR and First Aid certifications are encouraged to join the crew.
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