- How do I call the ambulance?
CAVA is dispatched by the Columbia University Department of Public Safety.
In an emergency, to reach the DPS, dial 99 from any campus phone, or 212-854-5555 from any other phone.
- Are CU-EMS Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) as good as 'regular' EMTs?
Yes! Our EMTs are 'regular' EMTs.
While we are a volunteer service, all CU-EMS EMTs are state certified following a 120 hour EMT course, the same EMT course that all NYC*EMS EMTs go through.
- Is CU-EMS capable of handling pediatric and geriatric emergencies?
Yes. CU-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. Our ambulance is fully equipped with specialized equipment to treat pediatric and geriatric emergencies.
- Where will the ambulance take me if I am sick/injured?
The destination depends on the severity of your condition.
If your condition requires treatment in the Emergency Department (ED), we will generally transport you to the St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center ED, located at 113th St and Amsterdam Ave. However, if your condition potentially requires specialty services not offered at St. Luke's, we will directly transport you to the appropriate facility. Note, however, that NYC EMS protocol prohibits us from transporting you to any hospital greater than 10 mins drive further away than St. Luke's.
For students with minor illnesses and injuries during normal business hours, we are able to transport you to Urgent Care, at Health Services at Columbia, which will be able to provide faster treatment for the minor illness or injury than you would receive in the ED.
- Will I get billed if I am transported by the ambulance?
No. The CU-EMS ambulance ALWAYS provides transport free of charge to the patient and their insurance company. Transport by CU-EMS is free, first time and every time. Most NYC*EMS ambulances will charge between $500-$1000 base fee, plus any interventions they provide. CU-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, 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 think need emergency medical attention, you should call for an ambulance immediately.
- I know some CU-EMS 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.
- What area does CU-EMS cover?
CU-EMS' primary service area covers the Columbia University campus and dormitories, primarily between 110th St and 125th St. However, if requested, we are able to respond further afield.
- Will the police come if I call for an ambulance?
When you call x99 or 212-854-5555 for a medical emergency the Department of Public Safety will respond. This is primarily done in the interest of safety for the EMTs. The NYPD will only be called by the CU-EMS crew in the event that they encounter a criminal matter, or a serious threat to their safety.
- When is the ambulance available?
The ambulance is available 24/7 365 days a year.
- What happens if I call 911?
If you dial 911, CU-EMS will not receive your call and a NYC*EMS ambulance, along with the NYPD will be dispatched for your emergency
(see #5 for one reason to call CU-EMS instead). As well, NYC*EMS is not familiar with the layout of the campus, or the best ways to access different buildings.
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