Frequently Asked Questions

What level of care do you provide?

YEMS is a full BLS-level EMS service, and our crews provide the maximum level of care within the scope of practice of an EMT. All YEMS crews consist of at least two state-certified EMT’s who meet or exceed all state licensing requirements as well as additional YEMS-specific training requirements, and our members undergo continuing education and practical skills training on a regular basis. YEMS crews are fully equipped with BLS-level equipment, medical supplies, and medications, as well as radio communications and mobile field computers with state-of-the-art e-PCR software.

What equipment do you carry?

YEMS crews are fully equipped according to the standards required by the state Office of EMS for all BLS level EMS providers, meaning that YEMS crews carry the same supplies and equipment you would find on a BLS ambulance. Each YEMS crew carries extensive trauma management supplies, immobilization equipment, airway management and ventilation devices, oxygen, resuscitation equipment, a defibrillator, medications including epinephrine and oral glucose, and a variety of other supplies and equipment. All YEMS crews are also equipped with radio communications and mobile field computers with state-of-the-art e-PCR software.

Are you an ambulance service?

No. YEMS provides standby EMS coverage and does not transport patients; however, our crews are equipped to provide full BLS-level emergency medical care on scene. YEMS crews maintain constant radio contact with Yale Security, through which our crews can request a paramedic from New Haven FD or Allingtown FD or a transporting ambulance from New Haven AMR for cases in which a patient requires transport to the hospital. YEMS crews are also equipped to contact MEDCOM for direct medical oversight from a sponsor hospital physician.

Do you bill your patients?

No. All emergency medical care and services provided by YEMS is provided free of charge to patients. YEMS provides its services as part of Yale Health and is funded by an extensive annual operating budget provided through Yale Health and the Yale Provost’s Office.

What is your call volume?

Our call volume fluctuates depending on the particular sport or event being covered. Sometimes our crews see no calls during a given shift, sometimes we assess and treat 2 or 3 patients with minor injuries, and sometimes we have to manage and send multiple patients to the hospital with serious injuries.

How do I become an EMT?

YEMS offers a semester-long EMT certification class* that starts at the beginning of every semester. Upon successful completion of the course and all associated state and national testing, you will receive Connecticut state certification as an EMT as well as membership in the National Registry of EMTs, which will enable you to gain reciprocal certification in most other states.

*EMT class is open to Yale Undergraduates & Graduate students ONLY. 

I’m already certified as an EMT in another state. Can I join YEMS?

By law, you must have Connecticut state certification as an EMT in order to work in Connecticut; if your state participates in the National Registry of EMTs, you should be able to transfer your out-of-state certification to Connecticut relatively easily through some paperwork. If your state is not a member of the National Registry of EMTs, applying for reciprocity in Connecticut can be more difficult, since Connecticut will only grant reciprocity for a state with equal or higher certification requirements and standards.

What’s the difference between an EMT, an AEMT, and Paramedic?

There are three levels of certification for EMS providers. The primary level of certification for EMS providers is as an EMT (formerly called EMT-B or EMT-Basic). An AEMT (formerly called EMT-I or EMT-Intermediate) is an advanced EMT who can perform additional procedures such as administering IV fluids, cardiac monitoring, and endotracheal intubation, which EMTs cannot perform in most states. A Paramedic is the highest level of EMS certification and typically requires an intensive two-year clinical training program; paramedics can do everything an EMT or AEMT can do and can also administer a wide range of drugs including narcotic pain medications and advanced cardiac resuscitation drugs.

I’m not an EMT but I’m interested in what you do. Can I still be involved?

Absolutely! While the vast majority of our members are EMTs, you may still participate in the club aspect of our organization without being an EMT. If you are an ECSI-certified CPR instructor, you may also teach CPR classes for us as a paid instructor without being an EMT. Moreover, most of our regularly-scheduled EMS standby shifts allow you to accompany the YEMS crew as an observer after completing basic HIPAA privacy training. If you decide you like what you see, you can take our class to become certified as an EMT.