911, What's Your Emergency? An EMS Internship

By: Lea Taylor, EC Scholar and Honors College Junior

“911, what’s your emergency?” This is a conversation most of us don’t ever want to have. But in the event of an emergency, we know that there are brave men and women standing by ready to help us when the pager tone drops. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful EMS personnel of Eastern Pines EMS this semester through the EC Scholars Leadership Internship course.

In this unique internship, I am learning about what it takes to be a relational leader within an EMS organization. There is a lot of work that is done “behind the scenes” when EMTs are not running calls or transporting patients. Personnel files and credentials must be kept up-to-date and organized, medical equipment must be maintained and stocked on the ambulances and in ALS bags, the ambulances must be in working condition and undergo routine maintenance, and so much more. I am working with the leadership team of Eastern Pines EMS to create and maintain inventory checklists for medical equipment and fleet maintenance, and market for the upcoming semi-annual barbeque fundraiser. I am also working with a few ideas for engaging the community to help community members be more prepared if an emergency situation arises.

EMS organizations have a unique role in that they interact directly with people in their community. This presents several opportunities for positive change and emergency preparedness within the community. I hope to organize and help instruct a CPR class for community members, and/or host a day where members of the community can come to organize their medications and medical histories onto a form for EMS use during an emergency. Medical history and current medications are two crucial pieces of information for EMS personnel, and in a situation in which one is not able to communicate that information, it would be incredibly beneficial to have documentation of it.

I am so grateful to Eastern Pines EMS for the opportunity to work with them this semester and learn to become a leader within this type of organization. The leadership skills I am learning will certainly help me in my career and when working with other organizations in the community.