April’s First Responder of the Month, Ashvik Vankayala, has lived in New Jersey for the majority of his life – moving to Montgomery in the summer of 2014. While reflecting on his move to our community, Ashvik notes that Montgomery has always been “extremely welcoming” and has allowed him to feel a “profound sense of community.” While growing up, through his experiences in soccer and robotics, Ashvik learned the importance of teamwork, service, and hard work.
Ashvik’s first interaction with Montgomery EMS came in his freshman year of High School when one of his family members had a medical emergency. He clearly remembers how scared and helpless he felt until Montgomery EMS showed up. Fortunately, everything turned out to be ok, yet this experience sparked his motivation and inspiration to join the all-volunteer squad.
Upon turning 16, Ashvik applied to join the Montgomery EMS Cadet Program. After being accepted, he began his training by first becoming CPR certified. Then, during the summer of 2021 when he was a rising Junior, Ashvik completed the rigorous EMT certification course. After 210 hours of classes, numerous tests, and successfully completing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians exam, Ashvik finally became a New Jersey State Certified Emergency Medical Technician.
“EMS is more than just treating patients; it’s about being empathetic and making them feel safe.”
Eager to give back to the community, Ashvik started picking up countless shifts, excited to learn on every call from his peers on the squad. He reflects, “EMS is more than just treating patients; it’s about being empathetic and making them feel safe.” On each call, Ashvik makes sure to treat patients with compassion and respect as he acknowledges that when people call for MEMS, they are likely having one of their worst days, making it all the more important to be understanding and create a safe space.
MEMS has become a second family and a second home to Ashvik. He states, “this organization has shaped my young adult life and it has given me the best opportunity to give back to my community while teaching me many life lessons.” It has also paved Ashvik’s path into his future career choice, as he wants to study neuroscience and subsequently become a neurosurgeon. Having already served nearly 650 hours and responded to 139 calls, Ashvik is just getting started. He says, “I look forward to continuing to serve with this organization and my community in the years to come!”
