When emergencies happen on campus, John Carroll University students are often the first to respond.
JCU Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a student volunteer organization supported by the university’s College of Health and guided by expert faculty members. After earning their EMT certification, students from all majors can join the department, gaining hands-on clinical experience, professional skills, and the hours needed to prepare for medical school and other healthcare careers.
Founded in 2002, JCU EMS provides fast and professional emergency medical care to the entire campus community. Members volunteer during weekly overnight shifts, beginning on Thursday and running through Sunday, where they provide on-site medical care in emergency situations.
“JCU EMS is a gem of John Carroll. Students gain a unique skillset through their participation, which prepares them for future careers in healthcare. The presence of JCU EMS has created a community of students ready to care for others and provides our campus community with comfort knowing EMTs are on JCU property and ready to respond.”
This semester, JCU EMS includes 30 student members and continues to strengthen its impact on campus. Most recently, the department improved response times with the addition of a medical golf cart, helping student EMTs reach emergencies more efficiently.
Training in Action
Before becoming a member of JCU EMS, students must complete John Carroll’s summer training course, where they earn their EMT certification and prepare to serve as first responders on campus. But their training doesn’t end there.Each spring, JCU EMS hosts a large-scale training simulation that brings together the University Heights Fire Department, JCU Nursing students, and even JCU’s Improv Club.
During the event, the Dolan Science Center nursing unit is transformed into a mock hospital, while improv students act as patients experiencing medical emergencies across campus. Once the call is placed, JCU EMS responds, transports the patient in a University Heights Fire Department ambulance, and completes the handoff to nursing students—mirroring real-world emergency response from start to finish.
“The drill with University Heights Fire Department was a super fun experience,” said Tayo McLaughlin ’27, a member of JCU EMS. “It was a great way to learn about the importance of communication and collaboration between multiple different healthcare teams.”
JCU EMS also hosts ongoing trainings and community programs throughout the year, including CPR certification courses offered twice each semester, giving students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to become certified in lifesaving skills.
On the Front Lines
In addition to responding to campus calls, JCU EMS provides on-site medical coverage for club sports, including rugby, soccer, and other high-energy competitions.
“Working the club sports are my favorite types of shifts,” said Jake Gamble ’26, a member of JCU EMS who plans to pursue a career in physical therapy. “EMS and physical therapy are very different in terms of reaction time, but patient care is a part of both. My experience in JCU EMS helped shape how I think about patient care.”
This semester’s JCU EMS Chief, Kaitlyn Kowalczyk ’27, responded to her first call during a John Carroll rugby game.
“I remember acting quickly on my feet, using all my skills at that moment,” said Kowalczyk. “I had to bandage the student up, do the patient care report, get vitals, and take down important information. Responding to that emergency made me more confident in my abilities as a person and encouraged me to pursue a professional job as an EMT.”
Together, these real-world experiences prepare JCU EMS members not only to serve John Carroll’s campus, but to build confidence, professionalism, and a strong foundation for future careers in healthcare.
On February 22, the JCU EMS team will travel to the annual National Collegiate EMS Conference in Arlington, Virginia, where they will compete against EMS teams from across the country and represent John Carroll on a national stage.
