A long line of UC Riverside students looking forward to a night of music waited to get into the Student Recreation Center on a recent Friday night.

But in a nearby room filled with gurneys and other medical supplies, a group of 16 students prepared for a more serious task.

The members of Highlander Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, a student volunteer group, were on hand to provide medical aid to their fellow students at the Winter Soulstice. 

The UCR School of Medicine-sponsored group was formed last August. The students began working with the UCR Police Department and the UCR Office of Emergency Management, providing basic life support medical services at large campus gatherings.

At some events, like Soulstice or Block Party, Highlander EMS assist the American Medical Response team, or AMR, hired by the campus. At others, like the Homecoming Bonfire, they’re the closest trained medical responders available.

Daniel Yeung, director of Highlander EMS and a senior majoring in biology, said the idea behind the group was to give students with Emergency Medical Technician, or EMT, certification a chance to practice their skills while helping the campus. They say they’re gaining valuable practical experience while considering careers in health care or public safety.

 “Being out in the field is completely different from EMT school,” Yeung said. “That’s what we’re trying to provide for people who are here on campus.”

He and Derek Li, assistant director of the group and a junior studying biochemistry, formed Highlander EMS after working last year with AMR as emergency medical technicians at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts and Stagecoach festivals. 

“It was our first time using our licenses as EMTs,” Li said.

Most of the cases they’ve handled involved alcohol intoxication, although they also had some burn cases at the Bonfire, they said.

By providing on-site assistance, the student EMTs reduce the need to call for ambulances for less serious cases, providing both a financial savings and reducing the load on the emergency response system, said Chris Miller, the faculty advisor for Highlander EMS and director of operations at the Center for Simulated Patient Care at the School of Medicine.

Another advantage is that some students feel more comfortable being treated by fellow students, he said.

The team members keep on top of their medical skills with monthly two-hour training sessions. The members also help out with educational campaigns such as the Stop the Bleed training through UCR’s Office of Emergency Management.

Miller said the team is hoping to get designated as a first-responder agency by Riverside County and take part in ride-alongs with American Medical Response. 

Matt Mahaffey, UCR’s emergency management coordinator, said the EMTS are an invaluable resource and could eventually serve as an emergency response team that can assist in case of an emergency.

“They live here; they’re in the dorms; they’re embedded in the community,” Mahaffey said. “Their eyes, their ears, their skill sets are invaluable. The fact that they’re doing it on a volunteer basis is incredible.”

Assistant Police Chief John Freese said he hopes to increase Highlander EMS’ involvement on campus, suggesting they could be available through an emergency text system. 

“I’m very impressed by their professionalism,” he said. “They take their jobs very seriously.”