University of Dayton Volunteer Rescue Squad Wins National Award

News Release

DAYTON, Ohio -- The University of Dayton student volunteer rescue squad has been named Top EMS Organization for the 2002-2003 academic year by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation. Nine of the squad's 38 members were on hand to received the award, presented Feb. 22 during the annual NCEMSF national conference in Washington, D.C. The University of Dayton rescue squad was selected best from among the organization's approximately 150 member organizations, and is the first squad to have received the award twice.

"I am constantly amazed and impressed by the professionalism and dedication of this group of students," said UD Police Lt. Randy Groesbeck, staff adviser to the squad. "They excel in every undertaking and personify the University's credo of 'Learn, Lead and Serve.'"

Every member of the UD rescue squad is a nationally certified Emergency Medical Technician, prepared to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care to the University community 24 hours per day, seven days per week when school is in session, Groesbeck said. "In addition to their full-time undergraduate studies, squad members complete 120 hours of initial training, pass a national registry exam, participate in extensive ongoing training to provide specialized treatment, and volunteer an average of two 12-hour shifts per week."

The NCEMSF annually presents the Top EMS award to the squad that best demonstrates outstanding contribution to its campus community and commitment to excellence. Other criteria include squad training, policies and procedures, participation in community events and leadership.

The UD rescue squad previously earned the Top EMS Organization award in 1999 and has also been cited by the NCEMSF for "striving for excellence" on two other occasions.

The NCEMSF is an international organization dedicated to supporting, promoting and advocating Emergency Medical Services on college and university campuses worldwide.

Contact: Pamela Gregg
OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
300 College Park
Dayton, Ohio 45469-1679
(937) 229-3241