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Rochester, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology’s long-running emergency medical service has taken a major step forward in expanding its ability to serve the campus and surrounding community. After more than five decades of providing on-campus emergency care, RIT Ambulance (RITA) now has a second fully equipped ambulance to meet the growing demand for its services.

Nearly 60 trained members, including both students and alumni, make up RITA’s dedicated team. About half are current students who balance academic workloads with the high responsibility of responding to medical emergencies. Each year, they handle more than 600 calls—everything from illness and sports injuries to more serious emergencies. The service is available not only to students and staff but also to campus visitors and nearby community members, and all care is provided at no cost to 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, Pennsylvania. “Some think because we’re college students, we may be inexperienced. But we receive the same training as all licensed ambulance services.”

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That training and professionalism have earned RITA statewide recognition. Since 2018, the organization has been designated an EMS Ready Campus by the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation, honoring its high standards in emergency management and disaster preparedness.

RITA’s commitment goes beyond responding to 911 calls. The service maintains standby coverage during major campus events such as sports games, concerts, and commencement ceremonies. Members are also trained to assist with nearby off-campus incidents—accidents, fires, or medical emergencies—when called upon. Calls have steadily increased since 2021, reflecting both the growth of the university and RITA’s trusted reputation.

Dr. Lindsay Phillips, physician and medical director for RIT’s Student Health Center, said she is constantly impressed by the professionalism and dedication of RITA’s volunteers.

“They’re responding to injuries and distress across campus nearly every day, even as they juggle responsibilities of academics, work, and social commitments,” Phillips 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.”

She added that the organization’s structure provides both medical training and leadership opportunities. New members undergo rigorous preparation, working under mentors as either medics or drivers before taking full shifts. Each duty roster is planned carefully, matching learners with experienced trainers to ensure safety and effective teamwork. “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 addition of the new ambulance was made possible through a $272,000 state grant championed by State Senator Jeremy Cooney. The funding proposal was crafted and submitted by RITA members in 2024—a process that reflects the group’s professionalism and initiative.

“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.”

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The new vehicle joins the original ambulance, which was built in 2013, and will allow for continuous coverage even when one unit is in service or undergoing maintenance. RITA also operates a “fly car”—a smaller response vehicle used for support when an extra responder is needed—but the new ambulance ensures full transport capabilities at all times.

RITA continues to recruit new volunteers each fall, welcoming students who are ready to train, commit to regular shifts, and serve the campus community. Typically, two members staff a shift, with others stepping in to assist when calls come through.

With its new ambulance and expanding team, RIT Ambulance continues a 50-year legacy of compassion, preparedness, and service—proving that student-run emergency response can be as professional and capable as any in the state.