Since its establishment 30 years ago, IREMS has focused on strengthening rural emergency medical services through high-quality education, outreach, and strategic partnerships. The initiative prepares emergency prehospital care providers to respond effectively in rural and wilderness environments where timely access to care can be lifesaving.
IREMS offers hands-on educational programs including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Wilderness First Responder training. In addition, the initiative offers an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) minor, providing students with an academic pathway that complements careers in healthcare, public safety, and rural health systems.
“The EMS minor is a second home for hundreds of students across the University,” said IREMS Program Director Kit Vreeland. “A fundamental benefit of our program is that students are immersed in active learning and hands-on skill development. They gain confidence and agency with skills they can immediately apply—whether responding to a sprained ankle or hypothermia while hiking in the wilderness, applying first aid for siblings and family members during holiday breaks, or earning their NREMT and joining a rescue squad to save the lives and limbs of their community. Our students care deeply, and our program helps them become change agents in the healthcare setting.”
Collaboration has been central to IREMS’ impact. The initiative partners with organizations including the UVM Medical Center Emergency Department, Vermont EMS District 3, the Vermont Department of Health Office of EMS and Injury Prevention, and the New England Council for EMS to support a coordinated emergency care system across local, state, and regional levels.
Over the past three decades, IREMS has expanded access to training and resources that support EMS agencies, healthcare institutions, and rural populations throughout the region. Its programs continue to play a vital role in preparing a skilled emergency workforce equipped to meet evolving healthcare needs.
The UVM community is invited to attend a celebration commemorating IREMS’ 30-year legacy on Thursday, April 16, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. in the Hoehl Gallery at the Larner College of Medicine.