Staff and Organization
BEMCo’s organizational structure and operation follow the provisions of BEMCo’s constitution and operating rules. Charged with maintaining BEMCo’s high level of service to the Brandeis community, the six elected members of BEMCo’s Executive Board (E-Board) are responsible for organizational oversight, personnel management, and day-to-day operations. Three supervisors oversee medical scene management and perform weekly quality assurance and continued quality improvement sessions with our medical director, Dr. Colleen Collins.
Training
The approximately 85 (69 active) student members of the corps are all Massachusetts-certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The minimum training for an EMT involves participation and documentation of field experience, hospital/clinical experience, and demonstrated competency in skills and EMS knowledge. BEMCo provides additional training to prepare members to handle the kinds of emergencies that are common on campus and maintain proficiency.
On-Duty Crew
The standard on-duty crew comprises four EMTs with specific roles: The Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Supervisor. A promotions board oversees the rank advancement of BEMCo members.
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The Primary is a member who has had extensive on- and off-campus experience, leads the patient assessment and treatment. Primaries are considered the crew chief, and drive to all calls in the “BEMCo Truck.”
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The Secondary has had extensive training and is familiar with all BEMCo protocols. Should a second (simultaneous) call arise, the Secondary will break off from the first call to respond to the second call with the Supervisor.
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The Tertiary is a new member who participates fully until they are ready for promotion to Secondary. Both the Secondary and Tertiary respond to the scene via foot with a full first response aid kit and communications equipment.
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A Supervisor is always on duty to respond to simultaneous calls (with the Secondary), as well as any call of a serious nature. Two or three Supervisors are appointed by the outgoing Supervisors and the BEMCo Medical Director. The Fall 2024 Clinical Supervisor is Julia Kole '26.