Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is VES?
Volunteer Emergency Squad (VES) is a division of the CCNY Safety Services. It is staffed and ran entirely by committed student volunteers. VES's main responsibility is to provide quality emergency medical care (basic life support services) to the campus populace. VES members are either an emergency medical technician (EMT) licensed by the New York State Department of Health or a certified First Aid/CPR/AED provider.
2. What are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)?
EMT is a health care provider trained to provide prehospital emergency medical care. EMTs are trained to assist higher level EMTs (paramedic) and other medical personnel (e.g. physicians and nurses). EMTs provide patient care in accordance with protocols and guidelines established by physician medical directors. EMTs are trained in various emergencies (e.g. medical, trauma emergencies, etc) and procedures that need to be deployed rapidly (e.g. treatments for cardiac arrest).
3. What is the difference between CCNY-VES EMTs and 'regular' EMTs?
There is no difference. While we are a volunteer service, all VES EMTs are state certified following a NYS approved EMT course, the same EMT course that all NYC*EMS EMTs go through.
4. What is the difference between CCNY-VES and Wellness and Counseling Center (WCC)?
WCC is trained in providing non-emergency procedures (i.e. getting vaccinated, health consultation, etc), while VES is trained in providing emergency procedures (i.e. seizure, fractures, etc).
5. How confidential is VES?
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 you are treated, we are not allowed to talk with your parents, your friends, or even the police regarding what happened to you.
6. How do I request VES service?
VES is dispatched by the CCNY Department of Public Safety. In an emergency, dial x7777 from any campus phone, or (212) 650 7777 from any other phones. VES has an average response time of 4 minutes.
7. What happens if I call 9-1-1?
If you dial 9-1-1, CCNY-VES and Department of Public Safety will not receive your call and a NYC*EMS ambulance, along with NYPD will be dispatched for your emergency (see #9 for one reason to call CCNY-VES instead). Since NYC*EMS may not be familiar with the layout of the campus or the best way to access different buildings, your service might be delayed.
8. Do I have to be a student to receive VES services?
No. VES provides care to anyone who is on campus (i.e. students, faculty, staff, visitors, etc).
9. How does VES transport patients to a hospital?
We do not. Once VES is dispatched to a patient on campus, we will evaluate if the patient needs to be transported to a hospital. If so, we will call for a NYC*EMS ambulance. Otherwise, we will treat you on the scene and let you go.
10. Will I get a bill for services rendered by VES?
No. VES always provides treatment free of charge to all patients. Patients will only get billed by NYC*EMS, if he/she needs to be transported to a hospital.
11. When is VES available?
VES is available from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays, every school day except in the summer.
12. I know some VES members or we attend the same class together, and I'm afraid that if I ever need to call VES, one of them will be the one responding (how awkward!). What should I do?
This is a common issue encountered within a small community. By law we are not allowed to talk about patients (see #5). In addition, you will receive the same treatment as any others, regardless if you know any of the on duty members or not.
13. I have a minor cut or injury and I happened to be in Shepard Hall. What should I do?
VES does provides walk-in service for minor injuries (i.e. small cuts). If we believe that the injury is severe enough, we will contact the Department of Public Safety and request a NYC*EMS ambulance to transport you to a hospital. We do not recommend you to stop by our office if you're feeling dizzy, sprained an ankle, etc, instead call x7777 from any campus phone or (212) 650 7777 from any other phone and we will respond to your location.
14. Where and how do I sign up for CPR/AED classes?
You can always stop by or call our office to inquire about the schedule or check out our schedule
online.
15. Do I need previous training to join VES?
No. You do not need previous training to join, but it is preferred. We have American Heart Association (AHA) certified instructors to train you in CPR, First Aid, and AED.
16. How much time do I need to commit to VES?
Each semester, VES members are required to run at least two shifts a week. The morning shift is from 8:00am to 12:00pm. The afternoon shift is from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. The evening shift is from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. During your shift, you must carry a VES radio and be available to respond to any medical emergencies that arise during that time. You must remain on the City College campus during your shift. It is okay that your class overlaps with your shift as long as the professor approves and you are allowed to leave the class during an emergency.
* For any other questions, please email us.
