Rice University Emergency Medical Services (REMS) once again has earned recognition by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation “Striving for Excellence in Campus EMS” program. This designation is designed for EMS organizations that are affiliated with an institution of higher education and is oriented to operational EMS organizations that provide basic life support or advanced life support services such as quick response, ambulance transport or special events medical services.
“This award means a lot for REMS as it validates our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional emergency medical services within the Rice community and reaffirms our status as leading the forefront of collegiate EMS response through innovative programs and a commitment to continual improvement,” said Kirim Kim ’24, special events lieutenant with REMS.
The evaluation is a self-appraisal of campus-based EMS organizations assessing quality factors in EMS operations including the delivery of care, training and continuing education of employees and volunteers and service to the community. The intent is to recognize quality campus EMS organizations and spotlight them as examples to other campus EMS organizations that are newly starting or are still developing their programs.
Justin Xia ’25 mentioned the quality and depth of service provided by REMS volunteers as one of the reasons why the organization received the award.
“One of the most important factors in REMS’ success is that members invest a considerable amount of work and energy into the program beyond the mandatory shifts,” Xia said. “So many members surpass expectations to help by teaching skills to the EMT students, raising awareness about first aid in the community and furthering their own training by earning certification as advanced life support providers.”
The “Striving for Excellence” designation lasts for three years. REMS has consistently earned a spot on the list since 1999. This year’s announcement marks a 25-year association with the award.
“Recognition through the ‘Striving for Excellence’ award signifies once again that REMS ranks at the pinnacle of collegiate EMS,” said Kayla Bierman ’25. “REMS was one of only seven campus EMS programs to have received ‘Striving for Excellence’ in its inaugural year in 1999, and REMS has been recognized numerous times for this award since. REMS’ continuous recognition shines light on the quality of care, education and service to the Rice community that REMS has and continues to uphold.”
The “Striving for Excellence” recipients were announced during the annual national conference in February.
To learn more about REMS and the services and classes it offers, visit rems.rice.edu.