Two members of Drexel University Emergency Medical Services leadership, Chief Mathew Habib and Captain Morgan King, announced their resignations on Sept. 23 at 10:00 p.m.
DUEMS is a student-run organization operating under the supervision of the Department of Public Safety as a registered Pennsylvania Quick Response Service. Licensed emergency medical technicians and CPR-trained members arrive at incidents within Drexel patrol jurisdiction to provide emergency medical care as needed. Their mission is to start lifesaving care within minutes before the Philadelphia Fire Department can arrive with an ambulance capable of transport, more advanced equipment and potentially emergency medical personnel with higher levels of training.
Although DUEMS is unable to transport patients, the medical care provided by the organization is free and done by fully trained emergency medical technicians. Drexel community members in need of emergency medical attention should call the DPS dispatch center at (215)-895-2222 or call 911 to reach the Philadelphia emergency system. The Drexel Guardian app also offers one-touch dialing to the DPS dispatch center. DPS advises all Drexel community members to save the dispatch number in their contacts.
In his letter of resignation, Chief Habib recommended to the DUEMS membership, who will be selecting a new chief, that “none of the three current line officers are recommended for further leadership beyond their current capacity.” His recommendations are based on allegations that the line officers fail to meet standards of clinical competency, leadership acumen and professionalism.
In addition, he recommended a review of disciplinary histories of candidates with a particular emphasis on revocations of Field Training Officer status. A Field Training Officer in DUEMS is an officer who can conduct training and supervise new members. Field Training Officer status can be revoked as a disciplinary action for failures of clinical competency, leadership or professionalism.
Lieutenant Kristina Kauffman declined to comment. The other two line officers Lieutenant Annabelle Ludka and Lieutenant Michelle Yiu did not respond to requests for comment concerning these allegations.
Chief Habib did not respond to a request for comment by time of publication.
Director David Hollinger, Fire and Emergency Services, is the advisor for DUEMS and will be ultimately responsible for maintaining standards of clinical care and overseeing leaders within the student organization.