The Hopkins Emergency Response Unit (HERU) provides Basic Life Support level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage for the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus and surrounding areas. Staffed and run entirely by the students of the university, HERU is a member of the National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation.

HERU currently operates with approximately 60 active members certified as either EMT-Bs or American Red Cross Emergency Responders and we are always looking for new members.

HERU operates under the operational direction of Homewood Security and the medical direction of the Student Health Wellness Center. We also work the the Baltimore City Fire Department, which provides advanced life support (ALS), emergency transport and assistance in educational and training exercises. The unit is in service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the academic year and modified hours during Intersession and Summer Sessions.  The unit also provides standby EMS coverage for campus events, concerts, and conventions. Coverage requests can be sent via e-mail to the Operations Lieutenant.

HERU crew members carry a backpack of medical supplies while on duty. They are paged to a emergency scene by Security via two-way UHF radio and respond on foot or by Security transport. A primary crew of two crew members and one crew chief (an EMT-B) responds to all calls. Further assistance from a reserve crew chief or any of the HERU line officers can be summoned by radio, as can additional supplies and equipment which are stored in a Security vehicle.

HERU also operates the Strategic Response Team, which can be activated by the primary crew in the event of a mass-casualty incident. The team's six members can be dispatched via a telephone tree and are able to provide additional manpower in the event that a medical emergency overwhelms the capabilities of the primary and reserve crews, the line officers and immediately avaliable BCFD units.

In case of medical emergency, HERU can be reached by dialing 911 on any campus phone, activating a blue light emergency phone, or by calling 410-516-7777. For non-emergency transportation needs or to consult with a doctor, please call 410-516-4600.