Binghamton University's Student-run Ambulance Service Wins National Collegiate EMS Agency of the Year Award

From Newschannel 34, Binghamton, NY

Binghamton University’s student volunteer ambulance service, Harpur’s Ferry, has been named National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency of the Year by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF).

Harpur’s Ferry made history by being the only agency to have won the award twice, having also been honored in 2005. The award was presented to members of Harpur’s Ferry at the 2012 NCEMSF conference held Feb. 24 – 26 in Baltimore, MD. Harpur’s Ferry was selected from among 262 campus-based emergency response groups in the United States and Canada. The Binghamton University ambulance service was recognized for its dedication to the Binghamton University campus and community, particularly in respect to the services provided during the regional flood disaster of 2011.

"The membership of Harpur’s Ferry is thankful for the trust that the Binghamton University students, administrators and staff have in us," said Robbie Cohen, executive director and chief of Harpur's Ferry. "We would not have been able to achieve this great accomplishment without their support."

This is the second recognition in under 6 months for Harpur’s Ferry, having been recently honored with the Broome County 2011 EMS Agency of the Year award.

Harpur’s Ferry, which was established in 1973, provides free basic and advanced life support services to students, faculty and staff on and off the Binghamton University campus. The organization has approximately 100 student volunteers who work anywhere between 6 and 24 hours per week during the academic year. Each volunteer is required to participate in a 72-hour advanced first aid class, as well as a 140-hour EMT course.