FAQs

How do I get in touch with SCEMS during an emergency?
In an emergency, call Campus Safety at 518-580-5566, and they will dispatch SCEMS.

What happens if I call 911 from my cellphone instead of 518-580-5566?
If you dial 911 from a cellphone, your call will be answered by the New York State Police, who will then direct your call to the Saratoga County Sheriffs Office, which will in turn dispatch the Saratoga Springs Fire Department. The Saratoga Springs Fire Department will then alert SCEMS, and both will respond. If you are on the Skidmore Campus, calling 518-580-5566 will get you the quickest possible emergency medical care, and SCEMS is able to contact the Saratoga Springs Fire Department directly if you need a higher level of care.

What happens when I call Campus Safety for a medical emergency?
Campus Safety will dispatch the EMTs to the location of the emergency. The EMTs will assess and treat the injury or illness following New York State protocols and determine if further medical care is needed. For serious emergencies, the, EMTs will activate an ambulance to transport the student to a local emergency room.

For injuries or illnesses that need further medical care but do not require ambulance transportation, the EMTs will advise the student to go to Health Services or Urgent Care.

When should I call for help?
You should call for SCEMS for anyone who is unresponsive, experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, uncontrollable bleeding, an allergic reaction, a diabetic reaction, burns, ongoing severe pain or seizures. You should also call if you suspect a sprain, fracture or dislocation, an overdose/attempted suicide or sexual assault.

If you have any doubt about whether or not you need medical care, it is best to call SCEMS.

I'm not that sick or don't want to go to the hospital, what can I do?
Requesting SCEMS does not automatically mean you will be transported to a hospital. In some cases, an evaluation from an EMT can put your mind at ease and help you to determine that your illness/injury is not serious enough to require immediate transport. Additionally, you can seek evaluation from Skidmore Health Services if you do not wish to go to a hospital. When in doubt, it is always safer to call and have an EMT provide you with the best options for your situation.

Is SCEMS confidential?
Yes! SCEMS EMTs are bound by the strictest possible confidentiality policies as well as state and federal privacy laws.  

I know members of SCEMS and I'm afraid I'll be embarrassed if they come during an emergency. What should I do?
SCEMS, like all EMS agencies and health care providers, are held to the strictest patient confidentiality standards, guidelines and state and federal laws. If you or someone else requires emergency medical care, we will provide professional and compassionate care, making sure we do not violate your privacy.

Are SCEMS EMTs as good as regular EMTs?
Yes! SCEMS EMTs are “regular” EMTs, and are trained and certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) by the New York State Department of Health. In order to obtain EMT certification, they must take a 120+ hour course and demonstrate proficiency in several skills, including passing written and practical examinations. Many SCEMS EMTs work and volunteer with local municipal EMS agencies.

Why does Campus Safety respond when I request SCEMS?
On the vast majority of our calls, Campus Safety officers are dispatched along with our crews. This is to ensure both the safety of the patient and the safety of our providers. It is important to remember that just because Campus Safety is present, it does not mean you are in trouble.