About Us – Harpur's Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service

What is Harpur’s Ferry?

Established in 1973, Harpur’s Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service (HFSVAS) is a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing free, advanced life support emergency medical services to the Binghamton University campus and the greater Binghamton community — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Our members are held to the highest standards of professionalism both on and off duty. While academics and personal well-being come first, our members are deeply committed to the mission and values of the agency.

We are proud of our strong foundation in education and continually evolve to meet the needs of a growing university. Through cutting-edge training and technological innovation, we aim to enhance campus safety and elevate the standard of care within collegiate EMS.

At Harpur’s Ferry, we are dedicated to constant improvement — for the benefit of those we serve. We strive to set the benchmark for patient care, advocacy, and clinical excellence, treating every individual with respect, dignity, and compassion. Our core values of skill, ethics, and integrity guide us, and we remain steadfast in our mission, never settling for complacency.

Harpur’s Ferry Leadership

Three distinct bodies ensure the ongoing success of the agency: Chiefs’ Office, Agency Staff, and the Board of Directors.

Chiefs’ Office

Three elected chiefs are responsible for the daily operations and administration of Harpur’s Ferry. To assist in operational management, the chiefs may appoint up to 2 captains and 2 lieutenants.

Agency Staff

The Staff is a group of 6 elected student members who oversee specific duties contributing to the operation of the squad. Two staff is divided into operational and administrative officers.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is a group of advisors that is chaired and co-chaired by the Chief and Deputy Chief. Members of the Binghamton University Community of particular expertise are annually voted onto the BOD.

1500

Annual Emergency Calls

Volunteer Drivers, EMTs, and Paramedics

ALS Equipped Ambulances and Flycars

Passionate Team

Our Fleet

Harpur’s Ferry operates a variety of vehicles to respond to all of the needs of the Binghamton University Campus and the surrounding community. Here’s a look at our fleet!

Ambulances

Harpur’s Ferry utilizes Type 3 Box ambulances. We currently have 3 ambulances: 7621, 7622, and 7623. Our ambulances are the sole means of patient transport to local facilities.

Flycars

We use two fly-cars, or first response vehicles, to supplement our responding crews and staff special events. The On-Call Officers utilize the fly-cars during their on-call days in order to respond to assist crews quickly and with adequate equipment!

UTV, Trailers, and POVs!

Our specially outfitted UTV, Flat-bed Trailer, and Special Operations MCI Trailer are used for special events, the Binghamton University Nature Preserve, and other areas otherwise inaccessible by our ambulances. Responder POVs are utilized for off-duty responses.

We don’t train until we get it right.

We train until we can’t get it wrong.

The Harpur’s Ferry Training Process

When 911 is activated, every second counts — and at Harpur’s Ferry, we train with that urgency in mind. Our providers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to respond effectively in any situation. Thanks to our diverse and rigorous training programs, our providers are always ready to deliver high-quality care when it matters most.

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Driver and Crew Chief Trainees

Providers and Drivers at Harpur’s Ferry operate under the direct supervision of experienced preceptors—senior crew members who guide, evaluate, and mentor new members as they gain hands-on experience in the field. During this phase, trainees respond to real 911 calls and participate in actual patient care, applying classroom knowledge in a controlled yet dynamic environment. Preceptors offer critical feedback, ensure adherence to protocols, and gradually increase the trainee’s responsibilities as they demonstrate competence and confidence. Only after successfully completing this structured precepting process are Providers and Drivers cleared to operate independently.

CME's and Weekly Training

Harpur’s Ferry offers a variety of Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities throughout the semester to support EMT skill development and recertification. These include advanced medical and trauma topics, case reviews, hands-on simulations, and guest lectures from healthcare professionals. Each year, Harpur’s Ferry also hosts its own EMS Conference, bringing together providers from across the region for a day of interactive workshops, lectures, and skill-building. In addition to CME, members participate in shift skills during their shifts, brief. Each week, the Training Officer selects a different focus area, which may include protocol reviews, mock calls, or hands-on skill review—all designed to reinforce core competencies and maintain readiness for real-world emergencies.

AFAEC

During their first semester, new members participate in the Advanced First Aid and Emergency Care (AFAEC) course—a structured program introducing them to pre-hospital care and agency operations. AFAEC covers core skills like CPR, patient assessment, vital signs, and patient movement. It also familiarizes members with agency structure, leadership roles, and operational protocols.

For incoming EMTs, AFAEC emphasizes confidence as a Provider-in-Charge, with additional training in BLS medications, radio and nurse reports, and protocol review. Non-EMTs focus on vehicle operations, radio communications, and geography, including hands-on driving practice and mock scenarios.

By the semester’s end, members are equipped with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to pursue clearance as a BLS Crew Chief or Ambulance Driver.