The Hampshire College Emergency Medical Service is a student-run organization that provides emergency medical services to the Hampshire College community. The rural location of the college delays the response time of Amherst Fire Department’s ambulance up to ten minutes. Hampshire’s need for a faster emergency response inspired 5 EMT-certified students to organize the Hampshire College Emergency Medical Service in 1976. HCEMS is one of the longest running student organizations on campus. Officially in operation since 1978, it has seen a variety of leadership styles and membership sizes, yet there is seldom a day during the school year when the program is not in service.