When Ellen Robbins joined Montgomery EMS as an associate member during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was looking for a practical way to help her community at a difficult time.
“At that point, everyone was trying to figure out what they could do,” Robbins said. “For me, it was about helping make sure the crews had what they needed to stay safe.”
Robbins began organizing donations of personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies for Montgomery EMS ambulance crews. She reached out to friends, neighbors, and community contacts, using social media and word of mouth to coordinate weekly supply pickups during some of the most uncertain months of the pandemic. Her efforts helped ensure that crews had access to masks, disinfectants, and other supplies needed to continue responding safely. Robbins also secured funding that enabled Montgomery EMS to become the first agency in Somerset County to purchase a barrel of isopropyl alcohol, which was used to disinfect ambulance interiors and help keep crew members safe.
“I was not an EMT then, but I knew there was still work I could do,” Robbins said. “Every person at Montgomery EMS has a role, and I found a way to contribute.”
“I’ve learned that when you care about something, you make time for it.”
Robbins later became an ambulance driver for Montgomery EMS in 2020. After several years of service, she completed 240 hours of training over three months and earned her EMT certification. Today, she continues to serve as both a driver and an EMT.
“What I enjoy most about being a member of the squad is comforting people during a crisis,” Robbins said. “Every call is different. You have to be ready for the unknown, but you also have to remain calm, be present for the person in front of you, and serve them with compassion and professionalism.”
Robbins also enjoys working with the cadets, the high school students who join Montgomery EMS. She said she values the chance to encourage younger members as they gain confidence and begin to understand what it means to serve their neighbors.
Outside of Montgomery EMS, Robbins has also been active with the Princeton Elks in Skillman, where she helped launch the Monty Food Bank during the pandemic. That experience, she said, reinforced the importance of neighbors helping neighbors.
As a volunteer with the squad, Robbins says she has found a meaningful way to continue serving locally.
“I’ve learned that when you care about something, you make time for it,” she said. “Helping people in my town is something I hope to keep doing for as long as I can.”
