The Initiative for Rural Emergency Medical Services (IREMS) is a program of the University of Vermont College of Medicine Department of Surgery. Through education and related outreach efforts, IREMS supports Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies, related health care institutions and the communities served by EMS.

At the heart of IREMS is the educational program for emergency pre-hospital care providers. Courses include First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced EMT, EMS Management, and EMS Instructor programs. Refresher training in addition to workshops and seminars are provided at the local, state and regional levels.

In addition to the support received from the University of Vermont, IREMS works closely with the Fletcher Allen Health Care Emergency Department and Vermont EMS District at the local level, the Vermont Department of Health Office of EMS and Injury Prevention at the state level, and the New England Council for EMS at the regional level.