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Columbia University Emergency Medical Service (CUEMS) is a student-operated, New York State-certified, basic-life support volunteer ambulance corps.

We provide prehospital emergency medical care, free of charge, to Columbia University's Morningside Heights Campus, and the surrounding area, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Originally known as the Columbia Area Volunteer Ambulance, we have been serving the Columbia Community since 1968. The corps currently has approximately 40 active members and responds to over 1,100 calls per year.

CUEMS is a division of the Columbia University Department of Public Safety and Columbia Health. We greatly appreciate their unending support.

Interested in Joining?

CUEMS holds information sessions as each semester starts. Attending one of these sessions is mandatory for those who are interested in recieving membership or course sponsorship by CUEMS.

Unfortunately, due to these unprecedented times, we are unable to offer summer course sponsorships as intended, and we greatly apologize for any inconvenience. Check back later in the summer for information regarding fall course sponsorship and membership.

CUEMS accepts membership applications twice a year, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Information sessions are announced on our Website, and our application for probationary membership is located in the Join section of our Website.

We seek candidates who are excited about emergency medicine, and welcome those with and without prior EMT certification. For those without EMT certification, CUEMS hosts a class on campus. A merit scholarship is available for a limited number of candidates, chosen by the Executive Board of CUEMS. Please visit our Join section for additional information.

CUEMS Alumni

Were you a part of CUEMS in the past? We would love to hear from you. Please visit our contact section and send us a note.

Donate to CUEMS

Anyone interested in donating to CUEMS may do so via the donate button on the right. Donations are tax-deductible and are processed through Columbia University.

CPR Certification

CUEMS offers CPR certification classes. Please see our CPR section for more information.

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