The George Washington University Emergency Medical Response Group: EMeRG
The George Washington University Emergency Medical Response Group (EMeRG) was founded in 1994 by Emergency Health Services students Jacob Abbott and Geoff Shapiro. EMeRG began and currently operates as a licensed BLS agency in the District of Columbia.
Campus bike response began in 1996. Responders provided Basic Life Support and treatment to patients and then transferred patient care to DC Fire and EMS (DCFEMS) when transportation to the Emergency Department was needed. Patient care capabilities were expanded in 2001 when EMeRG obtained a Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) to better respond on campus. The QRV decreased response time, increased equipment providers could utilize during response and allowed the transport of non-emergent patients to The George Washington University Emergency Department.
EMeRG began its first ambulance operations in the fall of 2008. The patient care abilities of the organization increased as care providers were able to not only respond and assess patients on scene, but transport them to the hospital as well. EMeRG providers are also able to work more directly with DC Fire and EMS Advanced Life Support, when necessary, to treat patients requiring more interventions outside of the Basic Life Support capabilities of EMeRG. In the spring of 2009, EMeRG obtained an additional ambulance for campus and community response.
EMeRG has a close relationship with many other organizations on campus; because of this, standby support is provided for many events on campus including games hosted at the Smith Center. EMeRG also regularly provides standby medical care for training exercises for the University Police Department.
EMeRG is a member of the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF). The organization has served as National Conference host in 2003 and co-host, with Georgetown University Emergency Medical Response Service, GERMS, in 2009.
