EMS Club stabilizes collapsed student before EVAC arrive

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The Avion Online

Newly formed EMS Club helps fellow student

By: Brian Case
Issue date: 1/31/06 Section: Campus News

The Embry-Riddle EMS club got the first test of their services when a student collapsed at last week's activities fair. Club members stabilized the victim and were able to administer treatment for nearly 10 minutes while an ambulance was enroute.

The club was set up at the activities fair not to respond to an emergency but to promote their organization. When a student passed out in front of the student center, Campus Safety notified Kinosz, who responded with another club member within two minutes.

"We treated and stabilized the patient until EVAC arrived," said Kinosz.

Certified EMT Julio Arango stabilizes a collapsed victim during last weeks activities fair. The EMS Club was able to respond several minutes before an ambulance could arrive. The club hopes to provide on-call EMS service on campus 24 hours a day.

Certified EMT Julio Arango stabilizes a collapsed victim during last weeks activities fair. The EMS Club was able to respond several minutes before an ambulance could arrive. The club hopes to provide on-call EMS service on campus 24 hours a day.

When EVAC Ambulance arrived, they were enthusiastic for the help. By the time the ambulance crew arrived, the EMS club had stabilized the victim, taken down basic information and began treating symptoms.

The EMS club was founded in November by a small group of certified EMTs. Club President Casey Kinosz and Vice President Julio Arango teamed up to form the club after being employed by the Campus Safety department.

Since the formation of the club in the fall, the members have been busy recruiting new members. They now have 30 members, 20 of when are certified EMTs, first responders or trained in CPR.

The organization's goal is to provide first aid education to the campus and eventually establish a volunteer campus emergency medical service. The club will be on standby at sports games, Touch-N-Go events and other campus activities where the University now pays to have EMS on standby.

The ultimate goal of the EMS club is to have volunteers on duty 24 hours a day, able to respond within the first four minutes of a victim becoming unresponsive. Studies show that the first four minutes are the most critical time to begin lifesaving measures. Response times to ERAU vary, but are around 7 to 10 minutes after campus safety dials 911.

Both Kinosz and Arango are certified EMTs and fire fighters in their home states. There is no difference between an on-campus EMT and one who might respond if you called 911. Both have gone through the same training standards as outlined by the state, and both hold the same qualifications.

"I think [the club] will be a great asset to the community," said Kinosz.