Interested in pursuing a career in medicine but unsure of how to get involved in patient care? Considering working as a first responder? Are you concerned about the safety of a college campus? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then look no further than Tufts Emergency Medical Services (TEMS). 

TEMS is a student-run, volunteer organization of Massachusetts-certified Emergency Medical Technicians who serve as first responders on the Tufts Medford/Somerville campus. Operating 24/7 throughout the academic year, the team responds to both emergent and non-emergent 911 calls, providing life-saving care to all members of the Tufts community. The organization operates under and is funded by the Tufts University Department of Public Safety, while working closely with the Tufts University Police Department, Tufts University Health Service, the Dean of Students Office, and the entire student body. 

Before applying to TEMS, students must first become certified EMTs. This involves completing an EMT certification course, passing a practical skills exam, and earning a passing score on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Students can pursue certification independently or enroll in Tufts Emergency Care, an on-campus, state-approved course in prehospital emergency medicine. Offered during the academic year or over the summer for course credit, the class prepares students to take both the NREMT exam and the Massachusetts EMT practical skills assessment, administered on campus at the end of the term.

As a current student in this course, I’ve had the privilege of learning from dedicated teaching assistants – the majority of whom are current or former TEMS members – who share their expertise in both classroom and field settings. Despite their already demanding schedules, they devote time each week to helping us master the hands-on skills we’ll need to pass the Massachusetts EMT assessment.

To gain deeper insight into the experience of serving as a student EMT, I spoke directly with members of the TEMS team. A few of my peers graciously shared their perspectives on what it’s like to balance academics, service, and emergency response at Tufts. Below are some of their reflections:

What inspired you to become an EMT?

 

“During my senior year of high school, I took an anatomy and physiology class, which sparked my interest in the medical sciences. I had known for years that I enjoyed the biological sciences, but it was this class that encouraged me to take a gap year after high school to do some more exploration of the medical field. One of the things that I did was take a wilderness EMT class to become both EMT and wilderness EMT certified. For years, I spent time volunteering at a local non-profit that serves low-income families with necessities such as clothes and diapers, so it seemed that EMT work would combine my passion for serving others while pursuing my interest in the medical sciences.”

 - Sarah McVey - 2027 - Biology

“When I was volunteering in the Emergency Department at Mass Eye and Ear, I saw many EMTs bring in patients and wanted to learn about the prehospital care that they were able to provide!” 

- Nina Paquette - 2028 - Biochemistry 

“I was always interested in medicine, but I wanted the chance to test if this was something I could truly pursue as a career. It was important to me to make sure that I wasn't making a life-changing decision without thoroughly exposing myself to clinical experiences, and training to be an EMT is one of the most accessible ways to do that early on. Becoming an EMT confirmed this interest and has given me some base-level medical knowledge and skills that I'm excited to build on for the rest of my life!” 

- Katie Harbaugh - 2027 - Chinese International Literary and Cultural Studies & Biology

Why did you decide to join the on-campus EMT service instead of municipal services?

 

“One of the really unique things about TEMS is that we are Tufts students serving other members of the Tufts community. I believe that this positions us to connect with the patient population better, especially with students, as opposed to being associated with an outside organization where that connection is not as often had."

-Sarah McVey - 2027 - Biology

“[TEMS offers] better flexibility with classes and being able to respond to emergency calls made by other Tufts students and members of the Tufts community.” 

- Nina Paquette - 2028 - Biochemistry 

“I was interested in easing myself into EMS work instead of being thrown right into the deep end, and TEMS's education-focused structure was appealing for that reason. I also like that TEMS is very compatible with my schedule as a student and that I can take shifts during class & sleep at my dorm/home for night shifts. Outside EMS agencies also offer great experience, so after my first year on TEMS I also spent a summer working on an ambulance back home and felt much more prepared.”

- Katie Harbaugh - 2027 - Chinese International Literary and Cultural Studies & Biology

If you took the on-campus EMT course, what were the benefits of taking it through Tufts?

 

“I did not take the EMT course at Tufts, but I have been the head TA for 2 semesters and the summer session! The class structure, being half lecture/half hands-on practical, is great for applied learning and sets all the students up for success. Everyone who comes out of the class does very well on their practical and written exams, and many go on to work in EMS immediately after, whether on TEMS, at an outside agency, or both!” 

- Katie Harbaugh - 2027 - Chinese International Literary and Cultural Studies & Biology

Being a student EMT can be demanding –  how do you balance academics, social life, and EMT responsibilities?

 

“The awesome thing about TEMS is that while on shift, you are in uniform with a radio and can go to classes normally, do homework, and socialize with friends. If you get a call for a medical emergency, you leave class or whatever else you're doing, and professors are very understanding. This flexibility has allowed me to gain clinical experience while still keeping up with my schoolwork.” 

- Sarah McVey - 2027 - Biology

“[I] plan out assignments/shifts/extracurriculars weeks in advance with Google Calendar so I can stay on top of everything and plan accordingly.”

- Nina Paquette - 2028 - Biochemistry

“I love that TEMS gives members the ability to put in their schedule preferences, so I never have to work during exams or days when I may be off campus. TEMS does require a significant time commitment (~2 shifts per week, ~24 hours), so crews will often spend time together getting work done on shift in between calls. However, because I can still go to my classes & go about my day when not actively responding to a call, it often doesn't feel as intense as actually working a 10/14 hour shift because there's time to do other things simultaneously.”

- Katie Harbaugh - 2027 - Chinese International Literary and Cultural Studies & Biology

How do you see your EMT experience influencing your future – whether in medicine or another field?

 

“My experiences with TEMS and working as a medical assistant over the summers have positioned me to know that a career in medicine is something I want to pursue. Being able to help others in a time of need by using knowledge about topics that fascinate me is something to which I look forward in the future” 

- Sarah McVey - 2027 - Biology

“Working as an EMT has helped me confirm that a career in medicine is something I want to pursue, and so has being surrounded by a group of driven and passionate peers who care as much about patient care as I do! Volunteer and paid EMS work also provides valuable clinical experience to prepare for medical/physician assistant/nursing school. There is also the added benefit of learning how to perform under pressure during high-intensity situations as well as talking to patients with a variety of lived experiences, both of which can make you a better healthcare provider!”

- Katie Harbaugh - 2027 - Chinese International Literary and Cultural Studies & Biology

What advice would you give to a student considering joining the EMT service?

 

“Definitely apply to TEMS! We take new members at the beginning of each semester with sophomore spring being the last time someone can apply. Check out the TEMS Instagram account @tufts_ems for more details about the organization and when/how to apply!” 

- Sarah McVey - 2027 - Biology

“Have confidence! The [EMT certification] class teaches you all of the information, but confidence will cement it in practice.”

- Nina Paquette - 2028 - Biochemistry

“Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions about TEMS if you'd like to learn more before joining – I always love chatting with prospective TEMS members and hearing why the organization interests them. Also, remember that you're going to grow so much in your career as an EMT, so it is completely fine if you still have things to learn when you start out. We care most about how you communicate with a patient in crisis and staying calm under pressure, so focus on demonstrating that in addition to your practical knowledge. Clinical skills can be perfected over time!”

- Katie Harbaugh - 2027 - Chinese International Literary and Cultural Studies & Biology

For more information about TEMS, visit their website https://publicsafety.tufts.edu/emergency-medical-services or check out their Instagram @tems_ems.