Frequently Asked Questions

How do I call CER?

To reach CER in an emergency, dial Security’s emergency number: 207-859-5911. Be prepared to say where you are and give a brief description of why you are calling, and Security will then dispatch two to four CER members to respond to the emergency.

Does Security come when I call CER?

CER is dispatched by Colby Security and works closely with their officers. Security officers respond simultaneously with CER to improve response times, to serve as an extra set of hands as needed, and to assure scene safety for CER, the patient, and bystanders. Due to higher call volume on the weekends, CER may ride with Security in the Security vehicle from 23:00-02:00 to ensure the fastest response time possible.

What kind of emergencies does CER respond to?

CER responds to all medical emergencies including injury, illness (e.g. allergic reactions, diabetic emergencies, fainting, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, etc.), alcohol and drug related illness, and mental health emergencies. If you are ever unsure if your situation is truly an emergency, please call us — we are here to help!

What kind of emergencies does CER respond to?

CER responds to all medical emergencies including injury, illness (e.g. allergic reactions, diabetic emergencies, fainting, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, etc.), alcohol and drug related illness, and mental health emergencies. If you are ever unsure if your situation is truly an emergency, please call us — we are here to help!

How does care provided by CER differ from that provided by the Health Center?

The Garrison-Foster Health Center may be used for general appointments with a physician or nurse to seek treatment for illness/injury, or for routine appointments (8:00AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday, and 12:00PM-5:00PM Saturday and Sunday; 207-859-4490). CER provides emergency care anywhere on campus, usually 24/7; our official Facebook page is updated with closures or limited hours.

Does CER respond to the Bill and Joan Alfond Downtown Dorms and Lockwood Hotel Dorms?

CER operates solely on-campus, and does not respond to any off-campus housing (e.g. the Bill and Joan Alfond Downtown Dorms or Lockwood Hotel Dorms).

Will information about my call and medical records be kept confidential?

All information regarding calls, patient medical records, and patient information in general is kept completely confidential by CER. As licensed EMTs, all CER members know and abide by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy rules and regulations, and all CER members sign an additional oath of confidentiality. CER members are forbidden from accessing any medical records except in order to document a patient care report after a call, and only the CER members who were present at the call are able to access this report. Protected Health Information (PHI) obtained by CER, like a patient’s name, Colby ID, address/dorm room, phone number, etc., is only shared with others directly involved in that patient’s care and is never shared with other CER members, Colby Security officers, college faculty or staff, parents, or other students. However, Security may record the call or pass on student information to the office of the Dean of the College.

How does CER transport patients to the hospital when needed?

CER is a non-transport service, but we have two options for transporting patients to the hospital when needed. In some cases, CER can escort patients to the emergency department via Colby College Security. If it is deemed necessary, patients can be transported to the emergency department via Delta Ambulance, Waterville-Fire-Rescue, or another transporting service if the situation warrants transfer of patient care to a higher level of service. Fees may be applied by the transporting service.

How do I join CER?

To join CER you must be a nationally certified EMT-Basic (or higher) and/or a licensed EMT-Basic eligible for reciprocity in the state of Maine, if not currently licensed in Maine. Once you obtain your EMT certification and/or licensure, contact our Communications and Personnel Officer directly or email [email protected] to set up a time for orientation.

What do I need to do to become an EMT-Basic?

In order to become an EMT-Basic you must take an approved EMT-Basic course and pass the national registry exam to obtain EMT-Basic certification. Colby College offers an emergency medical technician course during Jan Plan in which students receive all of the training necessary to take both the psychomotor (practical) and cognitive (written) exams necessary to obtain certification. EMT-B classes are also offered as semester-long courses and summer programs, including courses at Kennebec Valley Community College; however, it is slightly more challenging to take a semester-long EMT course with a full course load at Colby. Once the psychomotor (practical) and cognitive (written) exams are passed and national certification is achieved through the NREMT, state licensure may be applied for. Applying for a state license often involves a background check and driving record check; however, this is state dependent, so check your state’s EMS website to see exactly what is required.

I am already an EMT but don’t have a Maine license. How do I get a Maine EMT license?

If you already have an EMT-B license in another state you will need to apply for reciprocity in Maine. The Maine EMS website may be reached here, and specific information regarding reciprocity may be found here.

What are the requirements for CER members?

All CER members must attend one to two trainings per month, attend one continuing education class per month, and staff approximately two to six shifts per month, depending on availability and scheduling needs.

What is the difference between trainings and continuing education classes?

Trainings are typically held on two different days and times to help accommodate the various schedules of CER members. At trainings we simulate scenarios and work on practical skills to keep our skills and knowledge up to date and ensure that we are providing the best possible patient care on scene. Continuing education classes are held once a month at Colby and are usually taught by an outside paramedic. At continuing education classes, a wide range of skill sets and specialized topics within EMS (e.g. ALS assists, pediatric emergencies, efficient CPR, water rescues, etc.) are covered. These continuing education opportunities count toward the continuing education credits needed to maintain Maine EMS license.

Can I come to CER trainings and continuing education classes if I am not a member?

Of course! If you’re not yet an EMT but are in the process of becoming an EMT or are trying to decide if you want to be an EMT, you’re more than welcome to stop by trainings and/or our continuing education classes to see what CER and EMS are all about.

What qualifications do I need to staff shifts on CER?

All staffing crew members must possess a Maine EMT-Basic license, an AHA BLS Provider license, proof of hepatitis-B vaccination, and completion of a blood borne pathogens course (provided by CER upon joining).

Are CER members paid?

CER members do not receive payment for running shifts as EMS personnel, but the CER Officer Corps is paid hourly for administrative work.