History of RUEMS

Radford University Emergency Medical Services was organized in 1988 by a handful of enthusiastic individuals. What began simply as a few students eager to offer their help to students and faculty in need of emergency assistance, soon turned into something larger.

With the help of dedicated volunteers and the support of many faculty and staff at RU, this organization has grown into a respected and successful Emergency Medical Services team. In March 1993, the Commonwealth of Virginia licensed RUEMS as a Basic Life Support-Non Transport Agency. As the membership grew and the level of training improved, RUEMS gained the capability to offer Advanced Life Support to the sick and injured who were in need. In August 1996, RUEMS upgraded its licensure to Advance Life Support, Shock Trauma-Non Transport. In January 1998, with the role of RUEMS growing in the community, the organization purchased a 1998 Ford Expedition. This vehicle was named Rescue 9, and is now used as the primary First Response vehicle of RUEMS. In 2011 RUEMS purchased a Chevy Tahoe through an RSAF grant. With the acquisition of Rescue 9, RUEMS now provides mutual aid to the City of Radford and once again runs as a BLS- Non Transport Agency.

The organization continues to grow and advance as more students realize the important role EMS plays in the lives of those on campus, as well as the surrounding community

If you are an RUEMS Alumni Member and have more information or stories to contribute, please contact the webmaster. We are always looking to keep in touch with our alumni.

Below are links to our previous leaders that have paved the path for our agency. We would like to thank these members for their time and dedication to this family.