Rochester Institute of Technology, which has had its own emergency medical service for more than 50 years, now has a new, second ambulance available to help students, employees, visitors, even nearby community members in need.

Nearly 60 people, about half of them current students, work at RIT Ambulance (RITA) and respond to more than 600 calls a year, ranging from general sickness or traumatic injuries. The ambulance is on standby at sporting events and major gatherings on campus. They also can respond to nearby accidents, fires, or other emergencies off campus if needed. Their calls have been increasing each year since 2021, and there is no charge to the patients.

“Sometimes there’s a misconception that we’re just a club,” said Riley Howard, RITA’s vice president and a fourth-year physician assistant major from Allison Park, Pa., who joined RITA three years ago. “Some think because we’re college students, we may be inexperienced. But we receive the same training as all licensed ambulance services.”

Some of the RITA members are alumni, and some work or volunteer for outside agencies as paramedics, EMTs and drivers.

Dr. Lindsay Phillips, physician/medical director for the Student Health Center, said RITA members inspire her with their commitment to RIT.

“They’re responding to injuries and distress across campus nearly every day, even as they juggle responsibilities of academics, work, and social commitments,” she said. “Faculty, staff, students, and visitors all get the same level of attention and professionalism whether it’s a call for chest pain, a sprained ankle playing basketball, or a lab accident.”

Phillips said she’s realized over the years the amount of preparation needed to be ready for the variety of responses. Members take rigorous, mentored training as either medics or ambulance drivers, and the duty roster requires thought and pairing of experienced trainers with learners. RITA not only provides valuable medical service, it also provides leadership development opportunities for its volunteers.

Large campus events also require coordination and planning with other emergency services.

“RITA leadership is always planning curriculum, coaching new members through their training, organizing schedules, and creating opportunities for connection with the membership,” Phillips said. “The camaraderie in the corps is amazing.”

The new ambulance was made possible with a $272,000 state grant from New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney that RITA students helped craft and submit in 2024.

“RIT Ambulance is renowned for their expertise in providing real world medical experience to students and in keeping the entire campus community safe and cared for,” Cooney said. “Our students can only succeed if they feel safe, and that’s exactly why I was proud to deliver state funding for RIT’s second ambulance, a needed step that allows them to continue to serve as a model for what on-campus emergency medical services should look like.” 

Since 2018, RITA has been recognized by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation as an EMS Ready Campus for its excellence in emergency management and disaster preparedness.

The second ambulance, which joins the existing one built in 2013, will enable RITA to respond to service calls even when one ambulance and crew are engaged in an on-campus event. It will also eliminate disruption in case one ambulance needs maintenance or repair. RITA also has a “fly car” that can respond to calls if an additional person is needed, but that vehicle doesn’t transport patients.

RITA recruits new members each fall, seeking people willing to spend time to be trained and be available for regular shifts. Normally two people are assigned to shifts, and others will respond if they hear a call and are nearby to help.

Visit the RITA website if you would like to possibly join.

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