About UVAC

Proudly serving the UMaine community since 1972.

Our Mission

The mission of the University Volunteer Ambulance Corps is to provide the highest quality of care, both physical and emotional, to the University of Maine community in accordance with all regulations set forth by Maine EMS. As a service, it is our commitment to educate and mentor all individuals in leadership dimensions and encourage a well-rounded education.

What we do

UVAC is a student volunteer organization, which offers University of Maine students unique learning and leadership opportunities by delivering emergency medical services both on the UMaine campus and to surrounding communities. A state licensed emergency medical service, UVAC provides quality emergency medical care to those who live on, work on, or visit the University of Maine.

The service consists of about 65 volunteers – a combination of students and staff from various University departments, as well as a few alumni members. Many members are EMTs, while others serve as drivers and assistants. All share a common interest in helping others. Operating as part of Auxiliary Services, UVAC members volunteer nearly 30,000 hours to the campus community each year. We respond to approximately 500 calls per school year.

Event & Game Coverage

UVAC provides comprehensive EMS coverage for all UMaine sporting events. Our secondary ambulance, Unit 51, is dispatched to cover these games, while our primary ambulance remains available to serve the campus community. Each game is staffed with an ambulance crew dedicated to the players, and additional field crews are assigned to assist spectators as needed.

Training & Safety Certification Classes

UVAC is committed to being a learning-focused service, offering two training sessions per week throughout the semester on a variety of EMS topics. EMTs who attend these sessions can earn continuing education hours (CEHs), but all members are encouraged to participate, regardless of their license level. Non-licensed members also have ample opportunities to learn more about EMS and engage in hands-on training. In addition, we offer BLS certification, as well as CPR, AED, and First Aid training courses for anyone interested in developing these essential lifesaving skills.

administration & crew

Leadership & Administration

UVAC is led by a dedicated team of student officers and university staff, all working together to provide exceptional EMS services to the UMaine community.

Leadership Team

Student Officers: Selected annually for their commitment and experience, student officers manage recruitment, training, equipment, and daily operations-balancing these duties with their studies.
Chief of Service: A University of Maine employee who provides overall leadership, guidance, and serves as a liaison with local EMS and university departments.
Administrative Advisor: Ensures compliance with university, state, and federal policies, manages contracts and billing, and supports long-term planning.

Department Structure

UVAC administration is organized into three departments, each led by student Assistant Chiefs:

Relations

Recruits and onboards new members
Engages with the UMaine community
Coordinates member meetings and alumni relations
Ensures member compliance

Operations

Manages supply inventory and scheduling
Coordinates with UMaine Athletics
Oversees uniforms, AED maintenance, and vehicle upkeep
Provides driver training

Training

Conducts weekly training sessions
Offers CPR & First Aid certification
Trains members in emergency response
Arranges ride-alongs with local fire departments

Our team is committed to service, safety, and the ongoing professional development of all members.

The on-duty crew consists of one licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a trained driver, and an attendant. While on duty, each crew member carries a radio and a pager. Dispatch is handled by the University of Maine Police Department, and the crew responds with the ambulance stationed at Cutler Health Center. The use of radios and pagers allows students to attend classes and go about their daily routines with minimal interruption.

Crew members are expected to remain on campus and, whenever possible, stay together.

The Primary (Crew Chief) has the following credentials and responsibilities:

Licensed EMT/AEMT/EMT-P
Responsible for all medical decisions
Responsible for response type
REQUIRED to be in service

All UVAC Drivers hold the following credentials and responsibilities:

AVOC/EVOC Certified
Licensed Maine EMS driver
Responsible for vehicle maintenance
Knowledge of radio procedures
No medical license required
REQUIRED to be in service

All Secondary Attendants hold the following credentials and responsibilities:

BLS CPR certified
Learning role
No EMS license required
NOT Required to be in service

view our fleet

Unit 50 outside the memorial gym for the Maine Special Olympics

become a uvac member

You don’t have to have previous medical training to join UVAC. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to join at any time! Please contact us or fill out an online application.

apply to uvac

A UVAC member stands in the foreground facing away. He is wearing a jacket with "UVAC" on the back. In front of him our box-truck ambulance is parked on the ramp outside of the ambulance bay.

uvac alumni

We love to keep in contact with our past UVAC members. We’d love to hear from you so we can hear about your accomplishments since leaving UVAC! Please let us know how you’re doing in our UVAC Alumni Update form.

Annual UVAC Banquet – TBD Spring 2025

Don’t forget to attend our annual banquet, held each spring to celebrate the accomplishments of all UVAC providers. Both current members of UVAC and alumni are welcome to join our celebration. Invitations are sent out each Spring to alumni, so it is important to update your information with us in order to receive the invitation. Check out the ‘Contact Us’ section of the website to update your information.

Banquet Tickets are not yet available for purchase.

Questions?

Email um.umts.uvac@maine.edu.