University Volunteer Ambulance Corps Honored for Community Commitment

The University Volunteer Ambulance Corps (UVAC) at the University of Maine was named the 2013 Region 4 EMS Service of the Year by the Atlantic Partners EMS.

The announcement was made earlier this month during the 33rd annual seminar of Atlantic Partners EMS, an organization that consists of providers in three of the state’s six EMS regions.

The seminar honors members of the emergency medical services community in Region 3, Kennebec Valley EMS; Region 4, Northeastern Maine EMS; and Region 6, Mid-Coast Maine EMS. This year, the organization focused its awards on EMS agencies that have a strong commitment to community and improving the statewide EMS system.

UVAC is one of 79 state-licensed EMS providers in Region 4, which includes emergency service providers in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Washington counties. This is the first time the UMaine group has won this award.

The group was recognized for its members’ dedication to serve others, the more than 30,000 volunteer hours it provides annually, and for establishing a comprehensive CPR program on campus, which included the placement of more than 20 automated external defibrillators (AED) and relevant training for staff and students.

”This is a wonderful award to receive,” says Joseph Kellner, UVAC chief of service. “It showcases the dedication and drive the large group of student-volunteers have for selfless service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It shows that despite the relatively new exposure to the field of EMS, our student-volunteers show professionalism, compassion and skill that is on par with our long-term professional colleagues. I am very proud to be a part of this organization.”

UVAC is a volunteer-based service that operates as part of UMaine’s Auxiliary Services and delivers emergency medical services on campus and to surrounding communities. The group is composed of 62 UMaine students, in addition to a dozen staff and neighboring EMS providers. More than 60 percent of the members are EMTs, while others serve as drivers and assistants.

The students in UVAC come from a variety of majors from all of UMaine’s academic colleges. Previous medical training is not required to join the organization and online applications are accepted anytime.

The six regional EMS offices are independent, not-for-profit corporations that operate under a contract for services with the Board of EMS. The Board of EMS is part of the Maine EMS system which is a bureau within the Department of Public Safety, according to the state of Maine’s government website.

Contact: Elyse Kahl, 207.581.3747