Since its inception in 1986, Greenwich Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) has been on a mission to protect our community against the impacts of trauma and sudden illness by offering top-tier, pre-hospital emergency care. Originally a blend of paid and volunteer staff, we have evolved into a professional organization bolstered by per-diem staff and volunteers dedicated to observing and learning.

The journey began when a comprehensive study highlighted the need for a unified Advanced Life Support system with an eight-minute response time. This led to the establishment of GEMS as a non-profit organization, complete with a fleet of well-equipped vehicles and a team ready 24/7 to serve the community.

Our four strategically placed stations ensure prompt attention to all of Greenwich’s 50 square miles:

• Station 1 at Greenwich Hospital, serving central Greenwich
• Station 2 on East Putnam Avenue, covering Riverside and Old Greenwich
• Station 3 on Lower Cross Road, catering to the eastern backcountry areas
• Station 4 at 1327 King St, covering the Northwest section

Today, GEMS is a unified, professional ambulance service. Our evolution from a volunteer-based system to a full-time professional agency hasn’t gone unnoticed; we are a model for EMS modernization. Our dedicated team has earned us a reputation for excellence, and we’ve received statewide recognition for our professional standards, rapid response times, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive community outreach.

A significant milestone in our journey was the accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) in 2021. This accolade underscores our commitment to superior performance, clinical quality, and effective risk management. The two-year review process that led to this recognition puts GEMS in the exclusive company of just one other Connecticut service with this prestigious accreditation.

• Elizabeth C. Cotter
• Benjamin Davenport
• Stephan J. Feder
• Linda G. Grunow
• Ann R. Hagmann
• Connie Anne Harris