May 18–24 is National EMS Week, a time to recognize the dedication of emergency medical service (EMS) professionals who provide lifesaving care every day.

This year’s theme, “We Care. For Everyone.”, highlights the compassion and commitment that define the EMS profession.

At UC Davis, the EMS division within the Fire Department includes professional firefighters, student firefighters, licensed student EMTs, EMS instructors, and the Health 34 team. Together, they respond to emergencies across campus while also shaping the future of emergency care through education, outreach, and innovation.

Each part of the division plays a vital role in keeping the campus community safe. Student EMTs are certified providers who respond to emergencies and support health education efforts. Student firefighters gain hands-on experience in fire and EMS response while continuing their academic studies. Professional firefighters provide advanced medical care, fire suppression, and rescue services on campus and are also deployed across California to assist with major incidents like wildfires and natural disasters. The Health 34 team, launched in 2023, offers 24/7 non-emergency care, including mental health and substance use crisis support. EMS instructors deliver high-quality EMT, paramedic, and CPR instruction that prepares the next generation of EMS professionals.

Leading the Way in Emergency Care

UC Davis has earned national recognition for its EMS leadership. 

In 2020, it became the first university in California to receive both the HeartSafe Campus designation and the EMS Ready Campus Award from the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF). The department has also been honored with the Striving for Excellence in EMS Award and is in the process of becoming California’s first Resuscitation Academy Lighthouse Agency, positioning the department as a leader in advancing cardiac arrest survival rates statewide.

That leadership is also reflected in the Fire Department’s educational programs. From 2021 to 2024, UC Davis EMT students consistently outperformed state and national averages. In 2024, 93% passed the certification exam on their first attempt and 97% by the third, compared to 82% statewide and 78% nationally. The department's Paramedic Program, developed in partnership with the UC Davis Medical Center, is setting a new regional standard for paramedic education with a 100% National Registry pass rate within three attempts.

Empowering the Community Through Education and Access

The EMS division also leads the way in public education and community outreach. 

The PulsePoint app, developed in part by the Fire Department, alerts CPR-trained individuals to nearby cardiac emergencies, enabling immediate bystander assistance. The Campus AED Program maintains over 100 publicly accessible defibrillators, now inspected by part-time EMS staff to ensure they are always ready for use. To further support emergency preparedness, the Fire Department offers CPR and First Aid training, with Heartsaver CPR/AED and BLS Provider CPR certifications.

A major recent milestone was the launch of four free, self-service Narcan lockers across campus. Stocked by members of the Health 34 team, these 24/7 cabinets offer anonymous access to naloxone, a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication. In just six months, more than 1,800 boxes were distributed, dramatically expanding the community’s ability to respond to overdose emergencies.

Together, these initiatives ensure the UC Davis community is better prepared, more confident, and actively engaged in proactive care and emergency response. By equipping individuals with lifesaving skills, tools like AEDs and Narcan, and access to reliable training, EMS helps build a campus culture where everyone is empowered to step up in a moment of need.

Preparing for Tomorrow

Looking to the future, the Fire Department is focused on expanding access to life-saving education, strengthening community preparedness, and enhancing emergency response at every level. A key priority is removing barriers that prevent individuals from learning critical skills like CPR, AED use, and overdose intervention, ensuring that training is approachable, inclusive, and widely available.

The department also aims to increase the community’s confidence and willingness to respond in emergencies by promoting awareness and normalizing bystander involvement. They are also committed to advancing the performance of EMS professionals by providing cutting-edge instruction and simulation for both campus responders and regional partners. Together, these initiatives ensure the UC Davis community is better prepared, more confident, and actively engaged in proactive care and emergency response.

This EMS Week, we proudly celebrate the UC Davis Fire Department, a team whose commitment to care, education, and innovation strengthens the safety and well-being of our entire campus. “We Care. For Everyone.” reflects the mission that drives EMS teams here at UC Davis and across the nation.