Zoe Laffler ’26, Allyson Hurford ’26 and Matthew Crawford ’26 are certified EMTs making a difference through their involvement in the newly formed EMS Club and their partnership with the Dauntless Hook & Ladder Ambulance Service in Selinsgrove.
Laffler, a double major in biomedical sciences and international business from High Bridge, New Jersey, is co-founder and president of the EMS Club. A certified emergency medical technician in her home state of New Jersey and now Pennsylvania, she says working as an EMT helped her find her calling.
“I witnessed how powerful it is to show up for someone in their worst moment and offer help, comfort and care,” she said. “I started to realize that maybe medicine is for me after all.”
Laffler founded the EMS Club to give students meaningful clinical experiences and to assist with on-campus emergency response. Now with over 60 active members, the EMS Club is a vital organization on campus. Members receive CPR and emergency response training, and EMT-certified students respond to real emergencies on campus and volunteer on calls in Selinsgrove, all under the auspices of DH&L.
“Founding the EMS Club has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience,” she said. “When I realized how many students shared a passion for emergency medicine, I felt moved to get something started.”
Matthew Crawford, a double major in biomedical sciences and chemistry from West Pittston, Pennsylvania, is one of the club’s co-founders. He echoed Laffler’s commitment.
“We wanted to create something that could serve the community while giving fellow students valuable experiences,” he said. “It all started with a shared passion for EMS and a vision to build a program that could truly make a difference at Susquehanna University.”
Laffler works part-time as an EMT in White Deer Township, Union County, while she and several other members of the EMS Club volunteer with nearby DH&L. Laffler said several members have already completed a 16-hour driving course required to operate DH&L’s ambulance.
“Campus Safety has been happy to support the newly formed EMS Club at Susquehanna,” said Kris Brown, director of Campus Safety. Not only does it benefit the university and the community by providing additional access to emergency services, but it also gives our students valuable hands-on clinical experience while demonstrating to them the value and impact of volunteerism.”
In addition to giving students hands-on experience in emergency medicine, the club is inspiring others to take on leadership roles, serve their community and demonstrate compassion in critical moments.
“This experience is not something you can find in any other field,” said Hurford, a double major in biology and chemistry from Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania.
In just four months, the EMS Club has already made a significant impact, but what’s even more important is creating a future for students.
“This is the legacy I want to leave at Susquehanna,” Laffler said. “I want future students to have the support, training and community I wished for when I first got involved in emergency medicine.”
