CREDIT: ERIKA FAUST
Second-year Paramedic students Julian Becerra (left), Matt Wren, Derek Meerburg and John Clarke are volunteer members of the SERT team on campus. The team is always looking for volunteers – check them out at tinyurl.com/fan-sert2012 for more info.

Need medical assistance on campus? Want a faster response to your situation? Fanshawe College offers a program called SERT (Student Emergency Response Team) where trained volunteers assist you in your medical situation.

Students who volunteer for SERT undergo extensive training to ensure they are qualified to provide medical assistance in emergency situations until paramedics arrive. SERT volunteers are "certified as first responders under the Canadian Red Cross standards," said Bob Earle, who supervises the program.

SERT is available while you're on campus and feel that there is a need for medical assistance. "No one on campus should feel reluctant to call for help, even with minor injuries or when they are feeling unwell," Earle said. That's not only the benefit of calling SERT — you'll also receive attention from friendly and understanding staff, as all are volunteers and students of Fanshawe College. "Fanshawe students have the advantage of being treated by peers who sincerely care and are trained to assist in those situations."

If you're facing a medical issue on campus, you can reach SERT at extension 4242. If you're calling from a cell phone, dial 519-452- 4242. "This will expedite a response from on-campus responders who are closer and can respond more quickly," Earle said.