Samuel “Sammy” Martinez, a third-year biomedical engineering major and member of the John H. Martinson Honors Program, attended the 2025 National Collegiate EMS Foundation (NCEMSF) Conference on behalf of Emergency Medical Services at Tech (EMSaT). At the conference, EMSaT was awarded bronze in the NCEMSF Campus Ready category, an award meant to recognize excellence in emergency management and disaster preparedness of collegiate EMS organizations.

EMSaT is a student organization founded to increase access to and knowledge of emergency medical services at Georgia Tech. Sammy learned of EMSaT during one of their signature events the contributed to Campus Ready award – the CPR-Athon held on Tech Green. Since joining EMSaT, Sammy has participated in subsequent CPR trainings, patrols for campus events, and was recently appointed Treasurer of the organization. 

Sammy has had an active role in the JMHP community through his involvement with the Honors Leadership Council’s New Student Onboarding Committee, the First-Year Retreat as a Retreat Guide, and the GT 1000 JMHP sections as a Team Leader. Furthermore, Sammy is the Safety Officer of the Yellow Jacket Archery Club and the Kendo Club at GT and plays in the GT Marching Band on the Cymbal Line. 

Sammy fondly reflects on his time in EMSaT, saying: 

"The thing that attracted me to becoming an EMT was the fact that EMTs make a real difference to each patient's life, but first, I have to make a difference in my course completion, insert GT student laughter."

Sammy intends to continue his training in human health services. In addition to his change of major to Biomedical Engineering with a Pre-Med declaration, he recently completed his EMT-Basic certification at RC Health. Future plans include earning his Advanced EMT certification before graduation from GT and getting his Paramedic license soon after. The John H. Martinson Honors Program wishes Sammy luck as he continues his training and applies for medical school!

If you are a Georgia Tech student interested in EMS, considering joining EMSaT or applying for the Todd Family Fund EMS Scholarship in partnership with Grady EMS Academy.