By Annalea Johnston
Merrimack College has launched a new student-led initiative, the Merrimack Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) Club, with a mission to create a community for students passionate about emergency medical services and healthcare. The club, spearheaded by senior Biology major Renee Deleon, hopes to offer certifications such as CPR and Stop the Bleed, and connect students with local first responders through events and training.
“Our goal is to eventually provide on-campus EMS coverage, ensuring Basic Life Support (BLS) care for the Merrimack community,” Deleon explained.
The E-board has reached out in an effort to collaborate with the Dean of Students and the Merrimack College Police Department (MCPD) to explore the possible support that the club can offer the community.
The club’s founder, Renee Deleon, brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role. Deleon has been a certified EMT since 2022 and currently works for Hunter’s Ambulance, part of Hartford HealthCare in Connecticut. She has provided essential EMS services and transported patients to various healthcare facilities, handling emergencies ranging from CPR and bleeding control to more complex situations like suicide attempts and strokes.
“I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients as young as three months and as old as 102,” Deleon shared. “Through MEMS, I want to pass on what I’ve learned and ensure that Merrimack students are well-prepared to handle emergencies both on and off campus.”
Supporting Deleon in her efforts is Justin Dehbi, the MEMS Vice President and a senior Health Sciences major. Dehbi recently became a nationally certified EMT and is in the process of obtaining his Massachusetts state licensure.
In addition to his work with MEMS, he has spent the past year at Salem Hospital, working on the psychiatric unit and shadowing providers in the emergency department.
“I’ve learned so much about emergency response and patient care, especially in high-pressure environments,” Dehbi explained. “I hope to use this experience to help our club members not only gain medical skills but also learn how to stay calm and think critically during emergencies.”
The MEMS Club has laid out ambitious goals for its future, starting with recruiting dedicated members who share a passion for healthcare. Deleon emphasized the importance of forming partnerships with local EMS agencies and community organizations, which she believes will “open doors for learning and collaboration.”
Additionally, securing funding for EMS equipment and training materials is a key priority, with Deleon noting that having access to the right tools is “critical for providing quality care.” MEMS also plans to raise awareness of its mission through campus events and outreach activities.
A significant part of MEMS’ strategy to engage with the Merrimack community involves collaborating with local first responders, such as the North Andover Fire Department and North Andover Police.
“These partnerships will create valuable training and networking opportunities for our members,” said Deleon.
The club also hopes to work closely with the Merrimack College Police Department (MCPD) to host joint events and training sessions. “Our goal is to prepare our members for real-world emergencies while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness on campus,” Deleon added.
The MEMS Club is committed to offering students valuable hands-on learning experiences. In addition to CPR and Stop the Bleed certification courses, the club will give members the chance to practice using EMS equipment and techniques with proper funding.
MEMS also plans to organize workshops and discussions on a variety of healthcare topics and emergency response scenarios.
“We want students to leave these sessions feeling confident in their ability to respond in a crisis,” Deleon noted.
The club is also hoping to create mentorship opportunities for those pursuing EMT school, allowing new or recently certified EMTs to receive guidance from more experienced peers.
Looking ahead, the MEMS Club hopes to offer EMS support at campus events, including athletic games and large-scale activities, to enhance safety.
According to Deleon “many of our members have expressed interest in providing coverage to campus events like the spring concert.”
To ensure seamless communication and coordination, MEMS hopes to establish clear lines of communication with campus safety and local emergency services. Through its commitment to education, safety, and collaboration, the Merrimack Emergency Medical Services Club is positioned to become a vital part of campus life, providing essential services while preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals
