By (April 18, 2008)

Five Quad Students Honored Nationally

Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Services was recognized by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) at its 15th annual conference held in Philadelphia February 29 through March 2. Five Quad received the Striving for Excellence in Campus EMS award, which honors schools for the outstanding quality of their EMS organizations. Of the 86 groups from the U.S. and Canada present at the conference, UAlbany was one of only six to receive this award. 

Senior Eric Koch, a biology major from Long Island and president of Five Quad, says the NCEMSF award shows the experience and growth of their organization.  "We're competing with large universities, like Syracuse, Binghamton, Stony Brook, which focus on medicine. For Albany to win this award, without that direct focus, shows we're exceeding all expectations and really striving for excellence."

Five Quad, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, is a completely student-run organization.  This, according to Koch, provides students with a unique opportunity for on-campus leadership.  Between Five Quad's need for both administrative and operational management, he says, "You become a leader very quickly."  The group has between 50 and 90 active student and alumni members each semester, all of whom are CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator)/First Aid certified and have gone through a Five Quad-specific semester-long training.

"The students' professionalism and dedication to this critical campus service is truly impressive," says Five Quad faculty adviser Beth Conrad. "Volunteers provide coverage around the clock, not only to students but for faculty/staff as well, which means they are prepared to respond to medical emergencies at any time of day - including late at night and early in the morning." Of the NCEMSF honor, Conrad added, "This award is well-deserved as Five Quad maintains an excellent reputation at UAlbany and continues to expand its prominence and stature throughout the Capital Region, across the state, and at the national level."

Koch and Five Quad have many plans for keeping up with their "Striving for Excellence" reputation. The group recently bought four bicycles for a new unit, which they will use during on-campus events like Fountain Day, and they also plan on teaching weekly CPR and First Aid courses on campus in the fall.

Most recently, they organized the David C. Brinkerhoff 5K Run/Walk, which took place at the Indian Quad field on Saturday, April 12.  The event was in memory of former Five Quad member Brinkerhoff, a State Trooper who was killed in the line of duty last year.  The group also planted a tree and flowers, accompanied by a plaque, in front of the University Health Center, commemorating all fallen Five Quad members.  Approximately $5,000 was raised, which will go towards a scholarship fund in Brinkerhoff’s name. 

“It was a huge success and this will be an annual event,” says Koch. 

Five Quad is still accepting donations.

The 2008 Class Gift is also focused on Five Quad, with students giving in support of a new ambulance. As an incentive, Interim President George M. Philip and Acting Vice President for Development Fardin Sanai have challenged the students by promising to contribute $1,000 each if 300 students give. View to make a donation.