Can you imagine saving a life in between your classes? For Madison County Emergency Medical Services (MCEMS) student volunteers, formerly part of Southern Madison County Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SOMAC), this is simply another day in the life at Colgate University.
Student volunteers with MCEMS learn crucial skills within the medical field through their dedication to serving the local Madison County community, all while balancing their other extracurricular and academic commitments at Colgate.
Junior Arianna Stolowitz, an emergency medical technician (EMT) and student coordinator for MCEMS, described her role as a volunteer as an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience as a healthcare provider through civic engagement within the local community.
Stolowitz is no stranger to the medical world, having been involved in EMT work since her sophomore year of high school. Her experience is what ultimately landed her at Colgate.
“One of the big draws to Colgate for me was actually the EMS community,” Stolowitz said. “During my first visit here, I was introduced a bit to the student program and knew that I wanted to be a part of the team.”
The process to become an EMT included an extensive course through Midstate EMS, one Stolowitz describes as similar to the structure of a Colgate class: a mix between lectures and labs that promote balance between content and hands-on training. Just like any course, students can expect quizzes and exams (both physical and written) across their meetings throughout the week. Additionally, Saturday morning labs supplement the learning inside the classroom.
Students who are not EMT certified can also participate in MCEMS. Sophomore Arianne Motakef originally joined the team before completing her certification, which allowed her to solidify her choice in studying medicine.
“When I first joined, I was not EMT certified. So, during my shifts, I would ride along in the back, shadow my peers, chart and try to learn as much as possible,” Motakef said. “My first call at MCEMS confirmed that I wanted to be a doctor.”
In November 2023, SOMAC ceased their EMS operations in the community, transferring the Colgate volunteer program over to MCEMS. At this point, Stolowitz assumed the role of student coordinator on top of her usual EMT duties.
Now a seasoned veteran and coordinator of the program, Stolowitz’s MCEMS schedule consists of attending meetings for her leadership role, weekly training sessions and her shifts on call.
Although being an EMT through MCEMS is a demanding role, volunteers undoubtedly gain a lot from their experience. Stolowitz reflected on her time as an EMT to share her thoughts.
“The most rewarding part of my volunteer experience is knowing that I am able to comfort these people in some of the hardest moments of their lives,” Stolowitz said.
Senior Colleen Mackey, a student volunteer at MCEMS, was drawn to the program during her first year at Colgate and shared similar sentiments about her experience as an EMT.
“Knowing that the community truly relies on us makes this experience more than just a college club, and knowing that without the student program the level of emergency response available to the community would be significantly diminished,” Mackey said. “Not only do I have the privilege of serving Colgate by responding to emergent 911 calls on shifts […] and covering stand-bys at [Division I] athletics, but I also make a difference in the lives of Madison County residents by providing timely and compassionate care during their most vulnerable moments.”
Mackey has also become involved in training student EMTs.
“As a leader in this program, MCEMS has allowed me to hold a position leading our group of driven student EMTs in weekly hands-on training activities to ensure that while on calls, students are prepared for any medical emergency that they may face,” Mackey said.
Students looking to become an EMT volunteer should expect two four-hour shifts a week, two weekend overnight shifts a semester and at least one Colgate Sport Standby per semester on top of their weekly training.
Mackey described how this demanding schedule inadvertently creates a strong team dynamic between MCEMS volunteers as well as with alumni.
“Due to all the time spent together on calls, participating in training and just hanging out at the station our group has become really close,” Mackey said. “This program has also given me mentors as I have had the privilege of learning from SOMAC alumni. This impressive alumni network of accomplished medical students and other healthcare professionals has been so helpful in learning about their path and discussing my future plans.”
Stolowitz advised anyone interested in volunteering with MCEMS to prepare to challenge themselves and embrace new learning opportunities. Expectations are high for these student volunteers, yet the success of the team stems from their collective passion to better the program and be the best providers they can be for Madison County. We often fail to recognize the compassion, dedication and commitment demanded from student EMS volunteers. Remember to appreciate the active members as they manage their own personal, academic and work lives for the betterment and safety of our community.
“Being a part of this team makes being inspired to volunteer easy. Being a part of this team has single-handedly changed my life, and these people — students, as well as paid staff — have become my family. I love what I do, and inspiration for continuing manifests as support from my peers, mentors, family and patients,” Stolowitz said.
