Community Engagement

Partnerships

Wake Forest Emergency Medical Services (WFEMS) collaborates with a diverse network of organizations to enhance the quality of care and education within the Wake Forest community. Our partnerships include Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) and the Winston Salem Fire Department (WSFD), who assist in providing emergency medical care during calls; Deacon Health, which supports our daily operations; and the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, which contributes to our training programs. Additionally, we work closely with other collegiate EMS organizations and Wake Forest Pre-Health groups to offer educational opportunities and community outreach initiatives. These collaborations are integral to our mission of delivering comprehensive emergency medical services and fostering health education on campus.

FCEMS and FCFD

WFEMS collaborates closely with Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services (FCEMS) and the Winston Salem Fire Department (WSFD) to enhance emergency response capabilities and patient care. To express appreciation and strengthen these professional relationships, WFEMS hosts a semesterly event titled "Hamburgers and Heroes," where members from all organizations gather to connect, share experiences, and foster camaraderie.

Deacon Health

WFEMS collaborates closely with Deacon Health to ensure our operational needs are met effectively. Beyond sharing physical space, our faculty advisor, Melissa Walker, Associate Director of Deacon Health, provides invaluable support and necessary resources to facilitate our functions and enhance our ability to serve the Wake Forest community.

Wake Forest University School of Medicine

WFEMS works in close collaboration with the Wake Forest University School of Medicine to enhance the quality of member training. Faculty and staff from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine have supported our training days by serving as proctors, ensuring educational standards are met. In addition, they have led supplemental sessions on critical emergency care topics, including Stop the Bleed and advanced airway management. Their team has also provided a series of lectures covering a wide range of EMS subjects, further enriching the knowledge and preparedness of our members.

Pre-health Organizations

As part of our mission to enhance medical education within the Wake Forest community, WFEMS has partnered with several campus organizations to teach hands-on clinical skills, such as vital signs assessment. These collaborations—with groups like the Association of Pre-Physician Assistants and Phi Epsilon Kappa—have allowed us to engage students in interactive learning experiences that strengthen their clinical foundations and spark interest in emergency medicine.

EMS Week

From November 11th to November 17th 2024, WFEMS hosted a series of events in celebration of National Collegiate EMS Week. Highlights included hands-on training sessions for Wake Forest students, a panel discussion featuring physicians and medical students, and a helicopter landing demonstration on Davis Field. These events aimed to promote awareness of emergency medical services and engage the campus community in learning more about pre-hospital care

Hands-on Community Training

WFEMS hosted two interactive training sessions where Wake Forest students learned to perform Hands-only CPR. In addition, students were introduced to essential Stop the Bleed skills, including wound packing and tourniquet application. They also received instruction on how to recognize an opioid overdose and properly administer Narcan.

Medical School Panel

WFEMS hosted a panel featuring several physicians and medical students, designed for both pre-medical students and EMTs. During the discussion, panelists highlighted how skills developed through EMS—such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication—translate effectively into medical school and clinical practice. They also answered a wide range of questions about the medical school application process, daily life as a medical student, and career paths in medicine.

Helicopter Landing

WFEMS coordinated and facilitated a medevac helicopter landing on Davis Field as part of National Collegiate EMS Week. Members had the opportunity to tour the helicopter, examine the onboard equipment, and gain a deeper understanding of air medical operations. The paramedic pilots shared insights into the logistics and challenges of working as a medevac crew, and they answered questions about their training, responsibilities, and experiences in the field.

Campus Involvement

WFEMS is proud to support a variety of campus events, both as EMTs and active participants. From Project Pumpkin to Jam for Janey, our members help ensure events run safely while staying involved in the Wake Forest community. Our involvement reflects not only our commitment to public health and safety but also our passion for service and campus engagement.

Project Pumpkin

WFEMS proudly took part in Project Pumpkin, a campus-wide Halloween celebration focused on community outreach and family fun. Our team dressed in festive costumes, hosted a table, and handed out candy to children from the local community. It was a great way to give back to our community and engage with other organizations.

DESK

WFEMS was honored to take part in the Desk Project, a meaningful initiative focused on supporting underprivileged elementary students. Our team helped paint and provided a student with a unique desk covered in their favorite colors and characters. It was a fun and rewarding experience, and we're already looking forward to next year!

Jam for Janey

WFEMS was proud to support Jam for Janey, a basketball tournament held in honor of Janey Thompson. Our team worked the event as EMTs, providing medical coverage to ensure a safe and smooth day for all participants. We also joined in the tournament ourselves, making it a meaningful and memorable experience both on and off the court.

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