BEMCo's History and Information

History

The Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps (BEMCo) was founded in 1983 by James Meisel to answer the need for emergency first aid to the residents and visitors of Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Since its inception, BEMCo has responded to over 5000 calls ranging from sprained ankles to childbirth and cardiac arrest.

Qualifications and Availability

BEMCo members are Massachusetts State certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT's), and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the academic year. An EMT course is offered every spring by BEMCo and is taught by an outside instructor.

Duty Crews

Crews consist of three members:

The 'Primary' is a member who has had extensive off campus experience either with a volunteer or paid ambulance service. S/he is considered the crew chief, and drives to all calls in the 'BEMCo Truck' (see below).
The 'Secondary' has had extensive training and is familiar with all BEMCo protocols. Should a second (simultaneous) call arise, the Secondary will break off from the first call to respond to the second.
The 'Tertiary' is a new member who participates fully until he/she is ready for promotion to Secondary. Both the Secondary and Tertiary respond to the scene via foot, personal vehicle, or campus police cruiser (if available).
A 'Supervisor' is always on duty to respond to simultaneous calls (with the Secondary), as well as any call of a serious nature. Supervisors are Primaries with extensive on and off campus experience and are trained to handle crisis situations.

The BEMCo Truck

In the Spring of 2002, with financing help from the Brandeis Adminstration BEMCo bought a brand-new 2002 Ford Expedition. The truck was outfitted with cabinetry, warning gear and custom graphics by MHQ in Marlboro, MA, and Lightbars.com in New York. Everything carried on an ambulance can be found on the truck (with the exception of a stretcher) including a backboard, KED, oxygen, splints, C-collars, suction unit, and pediatric equipment.

A Typical Call.....

Emergency calls are received and dispatched by the Brandeis University Campus Police. Each member of the crew carries a pager and a radio. Response times are very short, averaging 2 - 2 1/2 minutes compared to other ambulance companies' resposne times of 6-10 minutes. Treatment facilities available are the Brandeis University Health Center and the Waltham Hospital. If necessary, an ambulance is called in for patient transport.

Phone (781) 736-4263

US Mail BEMCo MS-210 Brandeis University Waltham, MA 02454-9110

Email bemco@brandeis.edu

Phone	(781) 736-4263
US Mail	BEMCo MS-210 Brandeis University Waltham, MA 02454-9110
Email	bemco@brandeis.edu