I was studying in the Stever lounge with two friends when I heard my radio go off. I grabbed my jump kit, a bag full of medical supplies, and started running. The police dispatcher told me that where to go and what was happening as I ran. When I arrived at the scene, several of my EMS colleagues had already arrived and were taking care of the patient, a student who had had a seizure. They showed me what they were doing and let me help with small tasks that I had learned during training sessions like taking blood pressure and finding a heart rate. Eventually, the city medics took the patient to the hospital. That was my first medical call with Carnegie Mellon’s Emergency Medical Services (CMU EMS).
I joined CMU EMS as a direct response to the clubs and organizations I had been a member of in high school. I was tired of being a member in groups where I felt like I was not actually accomplishing anything. I felt that being a member of the literary magazine committee and the political discussion clubs were not enough. Even being a part of the community service group, where we knitted scarves and held food drives, did not assuage my desire for a new type of organization. I wanted to work hard and I wanted to see the results of that hard work. When I came to college, I discovered an organization known as CMU EMS. It seemed hands-on. It required me to participate actively. It was above all, exciting and new. So I submitted my application and joined.
I have been a member of CMU EMS for a year and a half now. It has taught me grace under pressure and how to engage with people from all walks of life. However, what I love most about it is that it is completely out of character for me. I am not pre-med, no one in my family is in medicine and I do not plan on pursuing anything in the medical field after college. I spent the first eighteen years of my life singing, reading, playing instruments and acting. I could not stand organized sports. Everyone I know wonders why I chose to become involved in EMS.
I believe that I am a member of EMS in order to give back to a group of people whom I value. The college years are dangerous ones. Not only do college students deal with sickness and conditions that pertain to broader groups, but they, as young people, are also experiencing alcohol and drugs, many for the first time. I see the results of my EMT training when someone comes up to me the day after a call and says “Thanks for helping us out last night. My friend was in bad shape.” I am a member of Carnegie Mellon’s Emergency Medical Services because I love being able to help protect my friends and classmates in the small way that I can.