Emergency Services steps it up a notch with new equipment
Posted by The Skyliner on September 10th, 2008Rachel Ham and Lance Skipper
Staff Writers
Photo by Trey Lancaster and Chris Timmons
North Greenville has improved many of its on-campus services, including Emergency Services, which now has immediate access to an ambulance, and Campus Security, which is now technically classified as a private law enforcement agency.
The University expanded the Emergency Services by partnering with Anderson County EMS in order to have an ambulance on campus.
“Our student responders now have the opportunity to work alongside professional responders to give more advanced care to the university,” EMRT Captain Eddie Fisher said.
Students who are involved in the Emergency Medical Response Training (EMRT) put in long hours to make sure they are prepared to deal with any type of medical emergency. Campus EMRT members are trained in CPR, first aid and other emergency-response skills.
Because the ambulance is already on campus, student EMRTs may now travel to the hospital with their patient. Also, patients’ costs will be lower in the event they need to be transported to the hospital.
The Emergency Services team works under contract with Greenville County EMS to assist people on campus and in surrounding areas.
Photo by Chris Timmons
Someone from the EMRT is always on campus in case of a medical emergency, and they can be reached by calling Campus Security at extension 7777 or by dialing 911.
Campus Security is also now equipped to handle greater emergencies because Campus Security officers have been trained and certified to carry guns while on patrol.
This responsibility required Campus Security to gain the approval of North Greenville’s executive council. Once approved, they then petitioned the South Carolina Law Enforcement Agency (SLED) to train them.
Every officer under the Campus Security office has been trained in level 2 and level 3 weapons courses, which required them to show proficiency in firing, cleaning and clearing weapons.
SLED Captain Gary Morningstar confirmed that NGU officers received additional training. “NGU Security Officers have received training in legal issues including Search and Seizure; Arrest procedures and techniques; OC Spray; Side and Straight Baton; Use of Force; Miranda Rights; Ten codes; the Law Enforcement authority of Registered Security Officers; Report Writing; Security and preservation of a crime scene; SC laws of arrest; SC Title 56 Traffic Laws chapters 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 & 10; Basic First Aid; and Firearms training and qualification.”
All Campus Security officers must qualify quarterly to maintain armed officer status.
They also have four hours of training every month, which is much more stringent than state requirements.
Though the Campus Security Department has gone through this extensive training, they are still working on future programs. A physical fitness program is currently being designed for the officers, but they are required to exercise on their own until it is finished.
“The Department is moving in a new direction. We have made the transition from a security force to a private law enforcement agency. In the future, new changes and improvements will be evident,” said Rick Morris, Director of Campus Security.
Tags: Fall 2008, Vol. 108 Fall - Issue 1