The Enduring Legacy of SCU EMS: A Tribute to Compassion, Service, and Student Initiative
Santa Clara University Emergency Medical Services (SCU EMS) stands as a testament to student initiative, compassion, and unwavering dedication to serving the campus community. Born from the vision of two pioneering students, Matt Donnelly (class of 1998) and Sam Suleman (class of 1999), SCU EMS has evolved into a vital component of the university's safety net, providing rapid and professional medical care to students, faculty, and staff. This article delves into the history, operations, and profound impact of SCU EMS on the Santa Clara University community.
The Genesis of a Vision: Addressing a Critical Need
The seeds of SCU EMS were sown in the late 1990s when Donnelly and Suleman, both certified EMT-Basics, recognized a critical gap in emergency medical response on campus, particularly during evenings and weekends when the Cowell Student Health Center was closed. They observed that the Santa Clara Fire system was frequently burdened by non-emergent medical calls from the university, leading to potential delays in response times for genuine emergencies.
Driven by a desire to improve the well-being of their fellow students and alleviate the strain on city resources, Donnelly and Suleman conceived a plan to establish a volunteer-based, student-run EMS team. Their vision was to create an organization capable of providing basic medical care on campus, assessing the severity of situations, and making informed decisions about when to request assistance from the fire department and ambulance services.
From Idea to Reality: Overcoming Challenges and Building a Foundation
In late 1997, Donnelly and Suleman presented their proposal to Santa Clara University administrators, outlining the potential benefits of their student-led EMS initiative. After two months of diligent effort, which included discussions, meetings, and meticulous planning with university and health center administrators, they secured the necessary approvals to launch SCU EMS.
The following months were dedicated to laying the groundwork for the organization's operations. Donnelly and Suleman meticulously developed a budget, established medical protocols, implemented communication systems, and procured essential uniforms and equipment. On January 12, 1998, with the invaluable support of Michelle Helms (F.N.P., P.A.), the first Medical Director of SCU EMS, the organization officially commenced operations.
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The impact of SCU EMS was immediately apparent. In its first week of service, the team responded to eight calls, including a fire and several serious medical emergencies. By mid-February, they had expanded their ranks, welcoming six additional certified EMT-Basics into the program. These eight individuals formed the core of the founding members of SCU EMS.
During its initial two quarters in 1998, SCU EMS responded to 126 calls, providing essential medical care to numerous patients and demonstrating the value of their student-led initiative.
SCU EMS Today: A Model of Excellence in Student-Run Emergency Medical Services
Today, SCU EMS continues to thrive as a vital resource for the Santa Clara University community, serving approximately 9,000 students, faculty, and staff. The organization is staffed by a dedicated team of around 30 Nationally Certified and State Licensed EMT-Basics, all of whom are students at the university.
SCU EMS operates under the guidance and licenses of medical professionals from the Student Medical Services (SMS), who serve as the organization's Medical Directors. This collaboration ensures that SCU EMS adheres to the highest standards of medical care and operates within established protocols. The current Medical Direction is ran by Lewis Osofsky, Michelle Coad, and Alanna Conrad, who are all on staff at Cowell Center at the Health Center at Santa Clara University.
Rapid Response and Comprehensive Care
SCU EMS is renowned for its rapid response times, typically reaching any location on campus within three minutes. When dispatched to an emergency, the team responds in conjunction with one to two Campus Safety officers, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response. While on-duty and working with patients, EMTs are able to utilize the Counseling and Psychological Services’ (CAPS) After Hours Counselor-On-Call.
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SCU EMS responds to a wide range of medical emergencies on campus, providing essential care and support to those in need. It is always better to call EMTs during an emergency. SCU EMS adheres to the privacy regulations outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). No, the EMTs do not "write up" people for any policy violations.
Commitment to Training and Professional Development
SCU EMS places a strong emphasis on training and professional development, ensuring that its EMTs are well-prepared to handle any medical situation. All SCU EMTs are required to attend multiple training sessions each quarter to maintain and improve their skills as well as keep their certifications current. Mission College offers a class during the academic year at Santa Clara University. Many local agencies exist which offer EMT-B certification courses. SCU EMS holds interviews in the fall and spring of each academic year.
Each year during spring quarter, SCU EMS hosts a large-scale MCI training event. This "Mass Casualty Incident" gives SCU EMS the opportunity to test our ability to respond to a large-scale medical emergency. It also gives the students an opportunity to meet the squad, see how it functions, and participate in an interesting and educational activity. The MCI is performed in coordination with university officials and Santa Clara Fire Department personnel.
Community Engagement and Support
SCU EMS actively engages with the Santa Clara University community, providing medical support for on-campus events such as concerts, sporting events, and alumni gatherings. Yes, if SCU EMS is contacted ahead of the event, then a team of EMTs will cover an on-campus event such as a concert, sporting event, alumni event, etc. SCU EMS asks for a $100 donation to cover the cost of the equipment used on a typical shift. We are also participating in SCU's Day of Giving.
Guiding Hands: The Role of Medical Advisors
SCU EMS is fortunate to have the support and guidance of experienced medical professionals who serve as Medical Advisors. These advisors provide invaluable expertise and mentorship, ensuring that SCU EMS operates at the highest standards of patient care. SCU EMS is fortunate enough to have members of the San Jose and Santa Clara Fire Departments as our Medical Advisors.
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Beverly Molina retired from the Santa Clara Fire Department in 2025. During her time at Station 1, she responded to emergencies alongside many SCU EMTs. She has always appreciated the professionalism and compassion they brought to patient care and is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting and advising them in their training and experience.
Brad Cloutier is a Captain with the San Jose Fire Department. He received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and is a California licensed paramedic and an EMT instructor. He takes pride in helping the SCU Squad members become better medical practitioners and to have them enjoy this unique experience. His personal interests include playing ice hockey, fishing, and chasing tornadoes.
James Mendoza is a Captain with the San Jose Fire Department. He earned an M.A. in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a B.S. in Microbiology and Immunology from the Stanford School of Medicine. James began working with the squad as an EMT instructor and continues to enjoy the squad in the role of advisor. In his spare time he constructs models designed to teach the science of fire fighting
Lukas Lerner is a firefighter with Santa Clara Fire Department. He earned his B.A. from Santa Clara University and served on SCU EMS as a student! He is one of our current medical advisors.
A Place to Call Home: The SCU EMS Office
SCU EMS has an office in Casa Italiana Residence Hall where they sleep overnight. This dedicated space provides a central location for the team to coordinate their activities, store equipment, and rest between calls.
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