This month’s First Responder spotlight, Angela Qian, has been a resident of Montgomery Township since she was born. From a young age, her eyes followed the siren noises of emergency vehicles she’d heard coming from the road, constantly pondering what had been happening inside them. Over time, her admiration for those that serve the community only increased. As she entered high school, Angela developed her fast-growing interest in the vast world of medicine. Her curiosity, along with seeing upperclassmen wearing EMS uniforms in school, thus sparked her interest in Montgomery Emergency Medical Services and prompted her to apply to their cadet program.
From there, Angela began her path in becoming an EMT. After gaining CPR certification, she completed a thorough and demanding EMT course over the summer of 2022, investing 210 hours into studying, attending lectures, and taking exams. She then passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam, officially gaining state certification in New Jersey as an emergency medical technician.
“It’s crucial to be there for them not just as a medical professional but also as a compassionate human being.”
Angela eagerly embraced her role as an EMT by taking on as many shifts as she could, responding to numerous emergency calls and gaining hands-on experience in various medical situations. She was always open to opportunities to immerse herself in the field, which has been instrumental in her growth as an EMT. “Every call is another learning experience for me,” she remarks. In volunteering nearly 400 hours, she has responded to over 100 calls since joining MEMS. In addition to emergency calls, Angela actively engages in other aspects of volunteering with MEMS, such as standbys, participating in drills, and even acting as patients in scenario work.
In her journey as an EMT with MEMS, Angela quickly discovered that being a first responder meant attending to more than just the physical well-being of patients. She recognized that during emergency calls, individuals are often experiencing “one of the worst days of their lives”. Angela recognized the importance of providing emotional support and reassurance, realizing that even a kind word, a gentle touch, or simply lending an empathetic ear could make a profound difference in a patient’s experience. She explains, “It’s crucial to be there for them not just as a medical professional but also as a compassionate human being.”
Through her time with MEMS, Angela has gained invaluable insights and experiences that have shaped her understanding of the medical field and reinforced her admiration for those who serve the community. As Angela herself puts it, “It’s a privilege to be able to help others during their most vulnerable moments and contribute to the well-being of my community.” Now about to attend Emory University this upcoming fall, Angela is enthusiastic about continuing her journey with Montgomery EMS, hoping to return on summer and holiday breaks to ride!
