Lehigh University Emergency Medical Services (LUEMS) is a Quick Response Service fully licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Basic Life Support services are provided 24/7 when classes are in session. All EMS crews are staffed by volunteer students, faculty, and staff.
Report an on-campus medical emergency by calling the Lehigh University Police Department at 610-758-4200. Off-campus emergencies should be reported by calling 911.
Calendar Year 2021 Call Statistics
Arrived to 82% of all calls in 9 minutes or less
Top Call Categories:
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Sick Person / General Illness
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Fall Victim
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Fainting
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Traumatic Injury
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Allergic Reaction
LUEMS provides two very important services to the Lehigh Community and to the City of Bethlehem:
- LUEMS averages a 6 minute response time whereas a City of Bethlehem ambulance may take up to 15 minutes to arrive on campus. These precious minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
- LUEMS reduces strain on City of Bethlehem EMS. LUEMS can evaluate the patient and help them decide if ambulance transport is necessary. Also, when patients must go to the hospital, LUEMS prepares them for transport and reduces the time City of Bethlehem EMS must remain on-scene. During the daytime, there are only 3 ambulances for the entire City of Bethlehem. At night, that drops down to just 2 ambulances. LUEMS services benefit the entire community as a result.
What is a Quick Response Service?
A Quick Response Service (QRS) is emergency medical services provided without an ambulance. A QRS is designed to arrive on scene before an ambulance and provide initial life support.