National Collegiate EMS Week Resolution
EMS Compact Commission Adopts Resolution Supporting National Collegiate EMS Week
The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, governing body of the United States EMS Compact, adopted Resolution 2025-05 on November 5, 2025, formally recognizing November 10–16, 2025, as National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Week. This resolution honors the thousands of student EMS clinicians who serve through collegiate and university-based programs across the nation and beyond.
According to the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF), more than 8,400 collegiate EMS clinicians currently serve through approximately 250 campus-based EMS agencies operating in 43 U.S. states, five Canadian provinces, and Jamaica. In the most recent academic year, member programs self-reported more than 94,000 emergency responses and maintained over 2,850 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for campus and community use.
"These collegiate EMS providers represent the next generation of public servants and healthcare professionals," said Donnie Woodyard Jr., Executive Director of the EMS Compact Commission. "My own formative years as a collegiate EMS provider taught me responsibility, teamwork, and empathy—values that guided me throughout my career. These students are gaining real-world experience that strengthens our entire profession. Some will stay in EMS, while others will go on to become physicians, nurses, business leaders, and policymakers who will remain lifelong advocates for emergency medical services."
The resolution emphasizes that collegiate EMS programs are a vital part of the nation's public-safety infrastructure, providing lifesaving emergency response, health education, and leadership development within academic environments.
Commission Chair Kraig Kinney added, "We are thrilled to recognize the dedication and professionalism of collegiate EMS clinicians across the country. Their service today reflects the promise of tomorrow's EMS leaders. They bring energy, innovation, and compassion to their campuses and communities, and we hope many continue their journey in EMS as a career."
The EMS Compact Commission, which oversees interstate recognition of EMS licensure across 25 member states, encourages all Compact states, universities, and EMS agencies to join in celebrating National Collegiate EMS Week and recognizing the extraordinary contributions of student EMS professionals.
About the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF)
The NCEMSF serves as an umbrella organization for campus-based EMS programs, supporting research, scholarship, and advocacy while providing networking and professional development opportunities. Through its partnership with the Journal of Collegiate Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS), NCEMSF promotes the academic study and advancement of collegiate EMS systems. Learn more at https://www.ncemsf.org or www.collegeems.com.
To find a collegiate or university-based EMS program in your state, visit the NCEMSF EMS Organization Database:
https://www.ncemsf.org/resources/ems-organization-database/groups-listed-by-region
About the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice
The Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice is the lead governmental authority in the United States responsible for regulating and overseeing the interstate practice of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Established by the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA), the Commission is composed of appointed Commissioners from each Compact Member State and is vested with the authority to enforce compliance, administer national operations, resolve multistate regulatory and disciplinary issues, operate the National EMS Coordinated Database, and facilitate immediate license recognition and the Privilege to Practice across state lines. Operational 24/7, the EMS Compact enables more than 400,000 EMS clinicians in 25 member states to deliver care wherever and whenever needed—supporting routine operations, surge staffing, disaster response, recruitment and retention, and the demands of a modern, mobile workforce. The Commission safeguards public protection, enhances national preparedness, and stands as the definitive model for multistate licensure in healthcare.
Resolution 2025-05 | National Collegiate EMS Week 2025
Recognizing November 10–16, 2025, as National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Week
Whereas, emergency medical services are an essential component of public health and safety in the United States, providing lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
Whereas, collegiate and university-based EMS programs serve as a vital pipeline for the advancement of the EMS profession, offering students opportunities to develop clinical expertise, leadership skills, and a lifelong commitment to public service; and
Whereas, members of collegiate EMS agencies engage in thousands of hours of specialized training, education, and service, responding to emergencies within their campus communities and often supporting surrounding jurisdictions; and
Whereas, collegiate EMS clinicians exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, teamwork, and compassion, frequently balancing the rigorous demands of academic study with their responsibility to provide critical emergency care; and
Whereas, the United States EMS Compact recognizes the importance of interstate mobility for EMS clinicians, particularly those in collegiate programs who may live, study, and work across multiple states while maintaining clinical readiness and licensure compliance; and
Whereas, the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) has designated November 10–16, 2025, as the 29th consecutive National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Week to honor the dedication and accomplishments of collegiate EMS clinicians nationwide;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice hereby recognizes November 10–16, 2025, as National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Week; and
Be it further resolved, that the Commission commends the thousands of collegiate EMS clinicians and programs across the nation whose service strengthens the EMS profession, enhances community safety, and fosters the next generation of EMS leaders; and
Be it finally resolved, that the Commission encourages member states and EMS agencies to join in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of collegiate EMS programs during this week of national appreciation.