Pei-En Liao joined Montgomery EMS (MEMS) as a Cadet in spring of 2023, driven by her commitment to serving her community. Her decision to join MEMS was shaped by her experiences in rural Taiwan, where emergency medical care was often inaccessible, with lifesaving services sometimes taking over 30 minutes to arrive. Witnessing the challenges faced by those in need inspired Liao to pursue a path that would enable her to provide prompt and compassionate care, no matter where she is. She hopes to one day improve emergency medical response in areas where resources are scarce.
Since joining MEMS, Liao has embraced her role with enthusiasm and dedication, eagerly taking on shifts, participating in standbys and drills, and continuously challenging herself to grow as an EMT. In March 2025, she reached an exciting milestone—she became one of the first cadets promoted since 2023.
“Being a first responder has taught me that caring for someone goes beyond physical treatment—it’s about understanding their situation as a whole.”
Among the many calls Liao has responded to, one in particular left a lasting impression—a CPR call that highlighted the importance of holistic patient care. While working alongside her crew, she was deeply moved by the stress and worry evident in the faces of the patient’s family members. “It was a powerful reminder that we’re not just here to care for the physical wellbeing of the patient—we have to support the family and their emotional needs, no matter the outcome,” Liao reflected. This experience profoundly shaped her understanding of what it truly means to be a first responder.
Liao’s time at MEMS has also solidified her future goals. Aspiring to attend medical school, she hopes to use her knowledge and skills to further serve her community and make a lasting impact. She strives to combine her technical expertise with the empathy and compassion she’s cultivated as an EMT.
“Being a first responder has taught me that caring for someone goes beyond physical treatment—it’s about understanding their situation as a whole,” Liao says. As she continues to grow in her role, she remains committed to serving those in need and making a difference, one call at a time.
