FAQ

University of Washington Emergency Medical Services is a student-led, volunteer-based emergency medical services agency operating under UW Medicine. We provide supplemental emergency medical care to the UW Seattle campus community in coordination with Seattle Fire Department and UW Police.

UWEMS is staffed by certified EMTs who are also current UW students and alumni. All members undergo rigorous training, onboarding, and continuing education.

UWEMS responds to medical emergencies, traumatic injuries, and other calls across campus daily. We are often first on scene and work closely with Seattle Fire and other public safety agencies.

Our operations run primarily evenings and weekends during the academic year. We also may appear at special campus events. Operational hours may vary during breaks or summer quarter.

UWEMS typically responds within minutes due to our on-campus presence. Our units are deployed on electric bike for rapid access through campus terrain and traffic.

UWEMS does not transport patients. We provide initial care and assist with patient transfer to Seattle Fire Department units for transport when necessary.

All UWEMS EMTs participate in an initial orientation program, field training, and regular continuing education in accordance with King County EMS training standards and patient care guidelines.

All patient information is handled in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We only share your medical information with authorized personnel involved in your care and only when necessary for treatment or legal requirements.

Yes. UWEMS offers medical standby services for university events. Learn more unders the “Departments” section of our website or by emailing emsOperations@uw.edu. 

Always call 911 in an emergency. UWEMS is dispatched through the 911 system in coordination with Seattle Fire.

For safety and resource prioritization, we only respond to dispatched emergencies. For wellness checks, contact the UW Police Department.

We recruit new members annually. Applicants must be certified EMTs and enrolled at UW or a local alum with extensive medical experience. Watch our website or Instagram for recruitment updates.

UWEMS does not currently offer EMT courses. However, many of our members complete training through local programs such as through this course at North Seattle College. We do offer peer advising for UW students interested in EMS.

Yes. A core part of our mission is promoting safety and health across the UW campus through outreach, training, and education. We regularly host workshops, tabling events, and partner with other campus organizations to engage our community.

Yes. UWEMS provides free Naloxone (Narcan) training. These sessions teach participants how to recognize an opioid overdose and safely administer life-saving Narcan. At the end of each training, attendees receive a free Narcan kit to take home.

UWEMS offers American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid classes. Our sessions teach the essential steps for recognizing cardiac arrest and performing effective chest compressions.

You can request a private group class under the “Departments” page on our website. Please submit your request well in advance. We do our best to accommodate all requests depending on member availability.

UWEMS functions under the administrative purview of Medic One Paramedic Training at Harborview Medical Center and is directed by a Chief and Deputy Chief.

Visit our “Contact Us” page or email us directly at emsOutreach@uw.edu.