VOLUME 29, NUMBER 11 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1997
ReporterTop_Stories

UB needs on-campus ambulance service; Forum held to discuss future of student-run Baird Point Ambulance Corps

By MARA McGINNIS
News Services Editorial Assistant


Student members of the suspended Baird Point Ambulance Corps voiced their determination to re-establish the operation and several speakers expressed considerable need for the service in an open forum held on Tuesday to discuss the future of the emergency medical organization.

The student-run response-and-transportation team of approximately 70 volunteer members was shut down for the fall semester in order for the university to review the organization's efforts, as well as to establish if a need for the service still exists.

Medical emergencies on North Campus are being handled under a mutual-aid agreement involving the Department of Public Safety, Getzville Fire Company and Rural/Metro Ambulance.

Although the corps is no longer handling medical emergencies, it continues to provide educational and training programs, and to recruit members.

Several persons speaking at the forum expressed a need for an on-campus ambulance service.

Pete Bothner, coordinator for facilities and events for the Division of Athletics, noted that it was important to have ambulance service at UB football games for potential problems involving athletes, as well as spectators. He added that events such as soccer and basketball games, track meets and tennis matches also need emergency medical coverage, although having an ambulance on-site in those cases is not as crucial.

Reliability is a concern

However, Bothner raised a concern about the reliability of the student ambulance crews. "The crew commitment was always there," he said, "but sometimes on the day of the event, I would call and they would tell me they couldn't cover the event because they were short-staffed."

John Grela, director of public safety, said that there is a medical emergency approximately three times a week on the North Campus. He added that UB frequently serves is a venue for large concert events that require an on-site ambulance.

Provides daily service

Other speakers noted that an ambulance transports at least one patient a day from the Student Health Center to local hospitals.

Grela pointed out that having to rely on an off-campus ambulance can delay service to the patient, since public safety often has to meet and bring the ambulance to the scene due to crews' unfamiliarity with the campus.

"The operation (Baird Point) provides a great service to the campus and is a successful UB tradition," he said. The people I've been involved with over the last few years have done a great job."

Student members of the corps emphasized that the problems they face are strictly administrative, not medical, and are being addressed.

They noted that they are seeking grants and other sources of funding to help with financial difficulties, and are creating committees within the organization to increase communication and efficiency.

Recruiting continues

They also said they are recruiting members for an advisory board consisting of representatives from UB and the Buffalo medical community. Greg Skibitsky of the Erie County Department of Health and Casey Czamara, chair of the Buffalo Ambulance Board, already have agreed to serve on the board.

Students said they hope to eventually provide coverage for the South Campus.

Although the students said that corps membership remains steady, they acknowledged that they have had difficulty in the past maintaining a solid organizational structure due to the nature of student organizations, which have a high turnover rate.

Another forum on the subject will be held next month.

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