EMT Experience

Noa Ksabi's Experience as an EMT-B at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)

My Experience as an EMT on Campus at Johns Hopkins

Becoming an EMT while studying at Johns Hopkins has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my undergraduate years. It has demanded quick decision-making, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility — all while balancing academics and extracurricular commitments. 

Getting Certified and Joining a Service

I applied as a sophomore to a club on campus called HERO, the Hopkins Emergency Response Organization, which specifically takes calls on campus to provide emergency support before the fire department arrives. Our close proximity helps us make sure people are getting the care they need and saving time while they get it. Sometimes, every second counts. 

Getting involved with HERO wasn't easy. There were 200+ applicants to the program the year I interviewed, and I had to make it through multiple selection rounds. Once I was selected for the 18-person new member cohort in the fall, I took an intensive certification course over Winter Break. This process required about 150–200 hours of coursework and hands-on practice. I completed my training over those 3 weeks and got my required EMT observership experience over the next few months. I then had to do a practical exam to get certified by the state of Maryland (MIEMMS) and an online written exam to get certified nationally (NREMT). 

If you’re not sure your school has a program like HERO, don’t worry! You can still become an EMT by registering for certification courses in your area. Depending on the state, you can even get certified while you’re in high school. Having off-campus EMT experiences can be extremely useful, as you see a wide range of types of calls and are typically paired with paramedics and ambulances.

The Reality of Responding to Calls

At Hopkins, student EMTs have the opportunity to volunteer with campus-affiliated services, responding to medical emergencies within the university community. This means answering calls ranging from minor injuries to critical incidents that required immediate intervention. 

One of the most eye-opening aspects of being an EMT on campus is its unpredictability. Calls come in at all hours—sometimes during lectures, late at night, or in the middle of studying for an exam. The cases can also vary widely, from alcohol poisoning and sports injuries to more severe situations, like seizures and respiratory distress.  

Each call I've responded to has reinforced the importance of staying calm under pressure and applying clinical knowledge in real time. Unlike in a classroom, where there’s time to think through a diagnosis, EMT work requires immediate action with limited information.

How EMT Work Helped Me Grow

Beyond expanding my medical skills, my EMT experience has sharpened my communication skills, as I have often needed to explain procedures to anxious patients or coordinate with paramedics and hospital staff. It has also taught me leadership and teamwork, since working with other EMTs has required trust and quick decision-making. 

For anyone considering becoming an EMT in college, I highly recommend it. It’s an unmatched way to gain hands-on medical experience and truly test your ability to handle high-pressure situations!