Longhorn EMS (LEMS) was first established as a registered student organization of the University of Texas at Austin in 2005. Brandon Glenn, Keith Gaines, Tony Abraham, and C.J. Winckler founded the organization with a vision of serving the unique needs of UT students through a student-led First Response Organization (FRO). Through countless hours of collaboration with multiple parties and strategic planning, the four founders of LEMS envisioned the creation of a working response framework and an EMT credentialing course on UT Campus.
 

In the spring of 2017, Longhorn EMS was approached by the Medical Director, Mark Escott. The administration of Longhorn EMS revisited the idea of an FRO that was envisioned by their predecessors. Competing in the First Annual UT Challenge, Longhorn EMS began gaining publicity as it placed third out of twenty contesting teams. Longhorn EMS worked with the Student Government, the University Police Department, the President’s office, and other key parties to elevate Longhorn EMS to a First Response Organization. In 2020, Longhorn EMS moved online and ceased in-person medical volunteer work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Longhorn EMS became involved in vaccine operations through UT Health Austin and contact tracing work through Dell Medical School. In fall 2021, Longhorn EMS safely transitioned back to providing medical care at in-person events. Within the same year, efforts toward the FRO initiative were strengthened through the creation of an FRO subcommittee. The organization continues to seek partnerships with Ascension Event Medicine, UT Police Department (UTPD), and Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) that will strengthen the initiative.

 

As of spring 2022, Longhorn EMS is composed of 58 active EMTs, 99 support team, and 94 social members. Carrying out our vision of excellence in emergency medicine and pre-hospital care, Longhorn EMS has been actively providing community health education to the public and medical standbys at special events. As Longhorn EMS continues to expand, serving the UT Community and ensuring its safety will always remain the organization’s utmost priority.