Stetson is proud to announce that it is starting a student-led Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Team this semester. The club, funded in part by the Student Government Association, is comprised of volunteer students who are interested in serving the community by providing emergency medical response.

Students will act as medical first responders and work alongside public safety officers on medical calls. They will help assist and provide patient care until the DeLand Fire Department or Volusia County ambulance services arrive on scene. Students also will provide medical support for special events on campus, such as races and sporting events, sponsor and teach medical educational programs, and become part of the university’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

Students will work with Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) but are not required to have any certifications to join the club, as it is open to anyone — including non-STEM majors. EMTs provide emergency medical care for patients at accident or medical scenes by assessing and stabilizing, controlling hemorrhage, immobilizing fractures, administering medications, providing CPR, and collaborating with medical professionals prior to transporting patients to medical centers.

A Hands-On Learning Experience

The goal of the program is to give students a hands-on learning experience and patient contact hours. This will greatly assist them as they plan, and prepare, for their careers or their pursuit of an advanced degree in health fields such as medical or dental school, and physician assistant or physical therapy programs. 

The Stetson EMS Team is led by senior Sean Moran, who will act as chief; sophomore Noelle Zinn, who will act as assistant chief; junior Kelly Gende, who will act as captain; sophomores Alexis Stivali and Alexis Caines, and freshman Ilanthy Henry, who will serve as board members.

The program advisors are pre-health advisor Natalie Bittles, Health Services Director Johana Burgos and Public Safety Director James Kurtz. Medical directing services are provided by Maitland Fire Department’s Medical Director Todd Husty and Assistant Medical Director Mark Wechsler, EMS Consulting.  

For more information about the EMS Team, students can stop by the Spring 2025 Involvement Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 1-3 p.m., at the CUB. Students also can contact Chief Moran at [email protected].