By Stapley Russell
In Greenwich, the sound of a siren isn’t just noise. It’s reassurance. It’s the moment help becomes real.
For forty years, Greenwich Emergency Medical Service — known simply as GEMS — has been that promise in motion. Since its founding in 1986, GEMS has responded to tens of thousands of calls, showing up in living rooms, on sidelines, in classrooms, on roadsides, and in moments when minutes mattered most.
In 2026, GEMS will mark its 40th anniversary with a year-long celebration — focused on the community it serves. “As we celebrate 40 years, our focus remains on helping the community just as Charlee envisioned” said Executive Director Tracy Schietinger. “We could not do this without the tremendous support of the community which we are truly honored to serve.”
GEMS was founded by Charlee Tufts with a simple but bold belief: Greenwich deserved an EMS service that sets the highest possible standard. From the beginning, the organization pushed for professionalization, advanced training, and clinical excellence — becoming the first ambulance service in New England to implement 12-lead EKG capability in the field.
Over time, GEMS has continually advanced its services — always striving to raise the standards of care. In 2021, GEMS earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, followed by reaccreditation in 2024 — a rigorous process evaluating more than 100 clinical and operational standards only one of two agencies in the state have achieved.
“The point isn’t the label,” Schietinger said. “It’s the discipline. It’s choosing to be reviewed, challenged, and improved.”
That commitment has earned recognition beyond Greenwich. In October 2024, GEMS was named Career EMS Agency of the Year at the Connecticut EMS Awards — an honor shared by every paramedic, EMT, educator, staff member, board leader, and volunteer who makes the service work.
Yet the GEMS story extends far beyond emergency calls. Each year, GEMS trains more than 3,000 residents in CPR, AED use, and first aid. Its programs in schools, workplaces, and community groups are built on a simple idea: the strongest emergency system is one where bystanders are prepared to help.
GEMS has also led Greenwich’s public access AED initiative, placing lifesaving devices throughout town — every one funded entirely through private donations.
“Survival doesn’t start when the ambulance arrives,” Schietinger said. “It starts with the people who are already there.”
That philosophy continues with the next generation. Explorer Post 911, GEMS’ youth EMS program, introduces high-school students to emergency medicine, leadership, and service — offering a pathway into healthcare and public safety, and a lasting lesson in responsibility.
None of this happens by accident. And none of it happens without community support.
GEMS is an independent nonprofit organization that relies on charitable contributions to fund 100 percent of its capital equipment — from ambulances to medical technology to training tools.
“Our community’s generosity isn’t just appreciated — it’s foundational,” said GEMS Board Chair Rod Saggese. “Every ambulance we field and every piece of equipment our crews rely on exists because Greenwich believes in GEMS.” That belief is what the 40th anniversary ultimately celebrates.
Not just a service — but a partnership. Not just a history — but a promise to keep improving. Because even after forty years, GEMS is not finished. It is still learning. Still raising standards. Still earning trust.
And still showing up — every hour, every day — when Greenwich needs it most.
