Offering basic life support to all students and professional staff on campus, SCEMS provides affordable medical care through fast, free, and reliable medical services.
SCEMS works closely with the University Police Department and local EMS agencies, such as TLC, to ensure the safety of everyone on campus and of those that are attending campus events. It provides CPR classes and other certifications to both students and professional staff across the campus, demonstrating a commitment to community service and safety.
Students who join SCEMS and are interested in attending medical school or PA program could gain volunteer hours that could be included in their applications for graduate school.
Matthew Glick, a senior student at SUNY Cortland majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology, has worked at SCEMS for two and a half years as the Crew Chief and as the Lieutenant of Equipment. Glick describes SCEMS as a great source of help to all who need it and a great learning environment where students can obtain experience in the field, practice teamwork and build relationships within the campus community and with professionals in the field.
“When I first joined, I obtained my EMT-B certification through a local agency, which was paid for by SCEMS. I had no prior medical experience and was nervous to attend my first incident, but the members I worked with took the time to ensure I was comfortable within the club itself, as well as preparing me for my first call,” said Glick. “I have learned from my peers in SCEMS, who are also EMTs; their outside experiences in EMS have taught me a variety of skills and approaches to handling incidents.”
Most campus incidents and SCEMS calls involve ETOH cases, which are incidents due to heavy alcohol use. Glick explains that most of these calls are at surface level, where the patient requires a quick assessment and rapid transport to an emergency room. However, heavy alcohol use in combination with other environmental factors can become more serious.
“I had a patient last year who was heavily intoxicated and fell on wet grass. Due to alcohol use and the cold air outside, the patient became unable to move after falling on the grass, said Glick. “The freezing temperature caused cyanosis of the lips and fingertips, indicating that the patient was not breathing at an adequate rate, i.e., their body was not receiving enough oxygen. This patient required immediate transport to the hospital.”
Glick advises all students and staff not to take this resource for granted and use it regardless of the degree of emergency. If in need of help, students can contact SCEMS via email and by phone.
Email: sunycortlandems@outlook.com
Non-Emergencies: (607) 753-4112
Emergencies: (607) 753-4111 or 911
Anyone can join SCEMS, no prior medical experience needed.
Club meets every Sunday at 7 pm in the Corey Union Fireplace Lounge.