HCEMS Handbook

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Emergency Care Providers

Any current Massachusetts certified EMT or First Responder (EMT certification pending), who is a Hampshire College student, faculty or staff member, may become a member of this program.

A team of two HCEMTs is on duty at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (Whenever possible, an effort is made to ensure that a male and a female EMT is on duty during each shift.) The structure of membership within the program allows for on-going training and ensures that a variety of resources are available to EMTs during and after a difficult call.

 

EMT-B

Regardless of prior experience, all new members run as EMT-Bs for their first semester with the program. EMT-Bs carry a pack and radio and respond to all calls with an EMT-A. EMT-B members are considered "in training," and therefore, do not run solo. EMTs with significant prior experience may advance to the status of EMT-A before completing a full semester as EMT-B if the current leadership feels they have demonstrated strong knowledge of how Hampshire College EMS operates.

 

EMT-A

Upon completion of at least two semesters as an EMT-B, and with approval of the current leadership, members may be appointed to the position of EMT-A. These members must be competent medical providers, knowledgeable in the workings of the program, and willing to assume the responsibility of the in-field training of EMT-B members. An EMT-A may run solo when necessary.

 

Director EMT(s)

Members filling this position are experienced EMTs. One or more EMTs may hold this position and are responsible for overseeing and facilitating the operation of the program. The responsibilities of this position include organizing business meetings, acting as spokespeople for the program, maintaining communication with the Department of Public Safety, and debriefing calls with members. Other responsibilities of the Directorship include overseeing the duties of other leadership positions, forming committees to accomplish tasks, investigating and solving problems as they arise, and mediating conflicts between members.

Equipment Manager/ Treasurer

The responsibilities of this position include co-signing all checks and payment forms for use of program funds, keeping records of all financial transactions, approaching Community Council or appropriate sub-committees to secure further funding when necessary, and reporting the financial state of the program during business meetings. These duties may overlap with those of the equipment manager.  The member holding this position is responsible for maintaining a current list of all equipment owned by the program, recording purchases and current conditions of equipment, implementing monthly equipment checks, maintaining equipment as necessary, and reporting to the membership on the status of program equipment.

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On Duty

While on duty, both EMT-A and EMT-B must be in uniform and respond to all calls. The HCEMT uniform consists of an HCEMT t-shirt, hat, and jacket, radio or pager, and response pack. EMTs must ensure that their pack remains properly stocked and that the radio/pager batteries remain charged. EMTs are also responsible for completing all of the paperwork from their shift and for reporting any problems with equipment or other aspects of the program.

 

While on duty, EMTs are not allowed to leave campus, enter the pine forest or engage in activities, such as swimming or entering the sauna, that would delay their response time. Director EMTs who are carrying a pager must also adhere to these guidelines.

While on duty, EMTs must present themselves in a respectable manner, inspiring the confidence and trust of the community and patient. EMTs must be fully capable, both physically and emotionally, to respond to any call. Members on call are not allowed to ingest alcohol or drugs, or involve themselves in any activity that would otherwise impair their judgment.

 

Off Duty

EMTs must present themselves in a respectable manner, understanding that they continue to represent the program, even when not on duty. EMTs must exercise discretion in the decision to ingest alcohol while off duty. EMTs are required to attend all business meetings, training sessions, and maintain current certification.

 

Confidentiality

Hampshire College EMTs are held to a strict policy of confidentiality. EMTs may not disclose any information that would potentially reveal the identity of a patient. Given that Hampshire is a small community, discussion of calls is kept to a minimum. Without revealing identifying information, EMTs may discuss calls with other EMTs, the director of Public Safety and other Public Safety officers, house office staff, or staff psychologists. It is often helpful to discuss the HCEMS policy of confidentiality with a patient to assuage any fears a patient might have about their privacy.

Probation

If deemed appropriate, the current leadership may place a member on probation for a period of up to one semester. During the period of probation, a member is considered to be under evaluation by the leadership. S/he may still run and carry a pack but must be scheduled with a senior member of the program. A probationary member retains full voting rights and must continue to attend meetings and training sessions. A probationary member may not hold a leadership position, regardless of their status prior to probation. At the end of the probationary period, the current leadership must decide if and under what conditions that member may be reinstated.

Dismissal

Upon serious violation of EMT responsibilities, the current leadership may chose to dismiss a member. If a member is dismissed from the program s/he can apply to be reinstated as a probationary member after one semester away from the program.

 

 If a member feels that they were placed on probation or dismissed unfairly, they may petition the action. This involves a collective hearing with the entire program membership and Director of Public Safety.

Business Meetings

Weekly business meetings are held each semester. These meetings include reports from each leadership position, reports from committees on continuing projects, and reviews of challenging calls.

 

Training Sessions

Mandatory training/orientation sessions occur at the beginning of each semester for all members. Training focuses on basic skills, HCEMS protocol, familiarization and use of equipment, HCEMS documentation, relationships with Public Safety and other resources, and a review of common scenarios.

 

Hampshire College EMS provides additional training sessions throughout the semester. Sessions may include drug and alcohol review, Cole Science Center emergency procedures, and mock calls. A community meeting should be organized at the beginning of each semester with other response organizations, (House Office Staff, Interns, Counselor Advocates, Public Safety, walking guards and lifeguards.)

 While members are expected to pursue continuing education offered by other organizations, these events are not replacements for the Hampshire College EMT program training requirements.