When Montgomery resident Ruibin Zhou first heard a suggestion that he should consider joining the local Emergency Medical Services squad, he wasn’t sure what to make of it. “It actually came from my friend and fellow squad member, Alex Du. Well, from his wife, technically,” he recalls with a laugh. “Our wives were chatting, and she mentioned that EMS might be something I’d enjoy. I wasn’t convinced at first.”
But after a month of thinking it over, Ruibin decided to walk into the Montgomery EMS building and see for himself. He knocked on the door, was welcomed in by veteran member Louis Dundi, and soon found himself in a lively conversation with Louis and a group of cadets.
“I felt instantly at ease,” he says. “At the time, the Driver role seemed like the best fit. I didn’t even consider becoming an EMT.” Yet, there was a deeper motivation brewing beneath the surface. Having moved from China 27 years ago and spending his career in the corporate world, Ruibin felt somewhat distant from the life of the community around him. “I realized EMS could be a way to connect, to really see the people who live here.”
“Just knock on the door. That’s how it all started for me.”
A Journey from Driver to EMT
As Ruibin began taking shifts as a Driver, he found himself inspired by the dedication of members he rode alongside, like Noemie Gerschel, Carol Gell, Ellen Nusbaum and Diana Whal, whose commitment left a lasting impression. “We’d chat on the way back from the hospital, and I learned so much from them,” he says.
One moment proved pivotal. “I watched Carol perform CPR all the way to the hospital,” he remembers. “I thought, this is something I can also do.” He was nervous about taking EMT classes. “English isn’t my first language,” he admits. His fellow squad members encouraged him. His first attempt at the EMT course didn’t go as planned, but he tried again, passed, and now serves proudly as an EMT.
“Every time the pager buzzes, my heart speeds up,” Ruibin says. “I’m usually paired with an experienced EMT, and I learn something new on every call.”
Finding Family in Service
When asked what he loves most about Montgomery EMS, Ruibin doesn’t hesitate. “The people,” he says. “When there are no calls, the building is full of conversation. We come from all different backgrounds and ages. It feels like another family.” Calls can be intense, he says, but the camaraderie makes every hour meaningful.
His family also plays a crucial role. “My wife supports me 100%,” he says. “I have a flexible work schedule, so when I’m on shift, I clear my calendar. And I keep weekends open for my kids’ activities.”
A Call He’ll Never Forget
Among the many calls he has answered, one stands out: the day he responded to a mother in labor. As Ruibin drove the ambulance to reach the Mom, the baby was delivered by an EMT. “By the time we got there, there was this brand-new life in the world,” he recalls. “I got to comfort the dad and then celebrate with him. I even received a commendation from a state assemblyman. That’s something I’ll always cherish.”
Experiences like that deepen his sense of purpose. “It is an honor for me to have a chance to help people when they really need it,” Ruibin says.
And for anyone thinking about volunteering? His advice is simple: “Just knock on the door. That’s how it all started for me.”
