MIT-EMS is a Massachusetts licensed basic life support (BLS) ambulance serving the MIT community. We operate a transporting ambulance and offer an annual EMT-B training course in January. We are entirely student-run and operate on a volunteer basis under the authority of OEMS and the MIT Medical Center. We are also an MIT ASA recognized student organization.

Our ambulance is staffed to respond to emergencies throughout the school year and for inter-facility transport only during the summer. We are dispatched by the MIT Police Department, which can be reached by dialing 617-253-1212 or 100 from any campus phone. Our call volume is around 600-700 per year; we respond to a variety of emergencies, ranging from ankle injuries and flu-like symptoms to significant traumas and cardiac arrests. We are the primary inter-facility transporting service for the MIT Medical Department.

How do I call the ambulance?   Are MIT-EMS Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) as good as 'regular' EMTs?   Is MIT-EMS capable of handling pediatric and geriatric emergencies?   Where will the ambulance take me if I am sick/injured?   Will I get billed if I am transported by the ambulance?   How confidential is the ambulance service?   I'm really embarrassed to have to be taken in an ambulance, what should I do?   I know some MIT EMTs, and I'm afraid that if I ever need to call the ambulance, one of them will be the one who arrives (how embarrassing!). What should I do?   Does the MIT-EMS service area cover FSILGs?   Why is the ambulance's engine always running even when it is parked?   How many ambulances does MIT-EMS have? Is it enough?   How do I join MIT-EMS?   Will the police come if I call for an ambulance?   When is the ambulance available?   What happens if I call 911?

How do I call the ambulance? We are dispatched by the MIT Police Department. To call the dispatcher from a campus phone, simply dial 100 for emergencies. You can also dial x3-1212 from campus phones. From outside lines, dial (617) 253-1212. Please also see MIT Medical's website for more information on receiving emergency medical care. Are MIT-EMS Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) as good as 'regular' EMTs? Yes! Our EMTs are 'regular' EMTs. While we are a volunteer service, all MIT-EMS EMTs are state certified following a 132 hour (minimum) standard course. Many of our EMTs have jobs with outside ambulance companies and have gained experience through practical application. Is MIT-EMS capable of handling pediatric and geriatric emergencies? Yes. MIT-EMS EMTs are trained in the full scope of EMT-Basic capabilities, meaning they can respond to any medical emergency. This includes pediatric and geriatric emergencies. Where will the ambulance take me if I am sick/injured? The destination depends on the severity of your condition. Typically, we will transport students, staff, faculty members and their families to the MIT Medical Center. If we determine that your condition requires a level of care that the MIT Medical Center is not equipped to provide, we will transport you to one of the local hospitals. If you have a preference of hospital, we will accommodate your request. Will I get billed if I am transported by the ambulance? No. The MIT-EMS ambulance provides transport free of charge to the patient and their insurance company. Most private and city ambulance services will charge between $200-$600 base fee, plus any interventions they provide. MIT EMS will not cover these charges if we are not available, or not sent for your emergency. Patients should speak to their insurance companies regarding payment of such bills. How confidential is the ambulance service? By law, we are required to maintain a level of confidentiality that includes not divulging your information to parties not directly involved in your medical care. After transport, we are not allowed to talk with your parents (unless you are under 18 years of age), your friends, or even the police. I'm really embarrassed to have to be taken in an ambulance, what should I do? It is not uncommon for people to feel embarrassed for needing to be transported by ambulance, but this should never prevent you from calling for one if you need it. In fact, you should not have to feel embarrassed for taking advantage of a medical service provided for your community. If you are hurt or ill, we can and will help. Your situation will be handled with medical professionalism. If you need emergency medical attention, you should call for an ambulance. I know some MIT EMTs, and I'm afraid that if I ever need to call the ambulance, one of them will be the one who arrives (how embarrassing!). What should I do? This is a common issue encountered within small communities. By law, EMTs do not gossip about patients (see #6). Additionally, your level of care will not differ based on how well or if at all you know the EMTs on duty personally. Does the MIT-EMS service area cover FSILGs? Yes. MIT-EMS's service area includes all of MIT's Fraternities, Sororities and Independent Living Groups. Why is the ambulance's engine always running even when it is parked? We leave the engine running in order to keep the back of the truck's temperature comfortable by constantly running climate control. How many ambulances does MIT-EMS have? Is it enough? MIT-EMS currently has one ambulance. This is typically quite adequate for serving our community's needs. In cases when another ambulance is needed, an outside company (Professional Ambulance), will be called by the dispatcher. How do I join MIT-EMS? You can join MIT-EMS if you are already certified as an EMT-B in the state of Massachusetts; please contact Sha-har Admoni, MIT-EMS Human Resources Officer for more info. If you are already certified in another state, Massachusetts does not offer reciprocity or accept National Registry, so please look at the OEMS website for information on obtaining an EMT-B certification in Massachusetts. If you are not yet certified as an EMT-B but hold a current American Red Cross CPR/AED card, you may contact Sha-har Admoni, MIT-EMS Human Resources Officer for information on how to volunteer on the ambulance as a third rider. If you are not yet certified and wish to take the class, please look at the becoming an EMT page. Space in the class is limited. Other options around Boston do exist, so please see this listing or contact Jordan Taylor, MIT-EMS Class Officer for more information. Will the police come if I call for an ambulance? When you call 100 or (617) 253-1212 for a medical emergency there is a possibility that the MIT Police will respond. While they do not come to all medical calls, they will respond for very serious medical emergencies and anytime there may be large crowds or motor vehicles at the scene of the emergency. This is primarily done in the interest of safety for the EMTs and so that they can provide first responder care for a very seriously ill person before the ambulance arrives. Once the ambulance does arrive the police may direct traffic and/or deal with bystanders on scene that may interfere with patient care. When is the ambulance available? During the school year (Registration Day through Commencement), the ambulance is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergency response time. During the summer, the ambulance is available for inter-facility transfers only. Regardless of the ambulance's availability, the campus emergency numbers (x100 or 617-253-1212) are intended for use for emergencies of any nature. What happens if I call 911? If you dial 911, MIT EMS will not receive your call and a municipal or private ambulance will be dispatched for your emergency (see #5 for one reason to call MIT EMS instead). Our ambulance tries to monitor the Cambridge radio frequency for calls originating from MIT or FSILGs (as we can respond faster and and know the campus better), but we are not always able to intercept these calls. If you are on or near the MIT campus or in an FSILG calling 100 or (617) 253-1212 will get you the quickest possible police, fire and ambulance response for your emergency.