Longhorn Student EMS was first idealized by U.T. students Brandon Glenn and Tony Abrahams, both EMT’s, and Paramedic C.J. Winckler in the fall of 2006. The University of Texas had no standing EMS force, nor any EMS community, and they sought out to change that. The organization they created was quickly adopted by U.T.’s Student Government, who understood the impact such an organization could have. A small contingent of EMT’s was organized, and Longhorn Student EMS was born. Brandon became the program’s first Director, Tony the first Director of Operations, and C.J. took the role of Senior Commander. Each contributed hours, days, and months of their lives through countless meeting with city and university officials to create an organization that they would likely never see in action, but would enrich the lives of those who followed them.
However, they quickly realized that in order to ensure the longevity of such an undertaking, they would need more trained EMT’s. Keith Gaines, a local HS teacher and Licensed Paramedic, was invited to begin teaching a small EMT-Basic course for Longhorn Student EMS, which quickly evolved into a large program that currently turns out an average of 20 EMT’s every semester. The program continues to graduate EMT’s at quick pace, and boasts one of the highest National Registry pass-rates in the State of Texas.
Over the course of its existence, the drive and perseverance of Longhorn Student EMS toward achieving its aggressive goals has continually impressed Student Government and the U.T. Board of Regents. Its members are known for their hard work and commitment toward making The University of Texas a better, safer community. The same ideals upon which Longhorn Student EMS was founded are still upheld by each member: dedication to quick, quality, and comprehensive emergency medical care.
Past Directors:
Chris Connolly, 2009-2010
Rob Johnson, 2008-2009
Brandon Glenn, 2006-2008
Past Instructors:
Brandon Glenn, EMT-P
Tony Abraham, EMT-P
Rob Johnson, EMT-B
C.J. Winckler, EMT-P
Jimmy Nguyen, EMT-B
Dean Sagun, EMT-I
H Thomas, EMT-P
Chris Connolly, EMT-B
Jenny Weon, EMT-B