National EMS Week 2025
Posted on May 19, 2025 by CAHP
National EMS Week takes place during the third full week of May each year and is a time to celebrate emergency medical technicians and paramedics who are providing lifesaving care every day. The University of South Alabama Department of Emergency Medical Services offers three certificate programs, EMT, AEMT and Paramedic, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services,a Bachelor of Science in Professional Health Sciences and a minor in Emergency Medical Services.
In celebration of National EMS Week, we are highlighting four students from the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services program. Let’s get to know Jenna Baggett, Mikayla Gracia, Marjorie Kingsmore and Anisa Saleh!
Jenna Baggett
Class Year:
2028
Where are you from?
Dickson, Tennessee
Which EMS certifications have you completed so far?
Basic EMT
Why do you want to work as an EMS provider?
“I have always wanted to help people, and I work well under stress. EMS is in my family, and so after talking to people like my dad, I decided to take the leap!”
What led you to choose South?
“I loved the location, as well as the caliber of the program. It felt like a home away from home as soon as I stepped on campus.”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“It's been great! I love it here and I love the people.”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“I love to read, and I'm very active in my church. I spend time with friends, and I watch a lot of sports.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I want to go on to medical school and become a pediatric emergency room doctor.”
What advice would you offer to future EMS students?
“Don't expect perfection - it's a hard class and hard certification. If you buckle down and have fun, you'll be fine.”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“I collect vinyl records! My rarest/favorite is a Johnny Cash Sun Record.”
Mikayla Gracia
Class Year:
2027
Where are you from?
Navarre, Florida
Which EMS certifications have you completed so far?
EMT-B, and AEMT
Why do you want to work as an EMS provider?
“I want to work as an EMS provider because I’ve come to understand the profound impact of being a calm and compassionate presence during moments of crisis. After experiencing a traumatic injury as a child and witnessing the reassurance and professionalism of the EMS providers who cared for me and supported my family during our biggest time of need with not just medical attention, but comfort and rapport. With this I realized how essential this role is—not just for medical intervention, but for emotional stability in chaotic situations.
“Throughout my life, including the responsibilities I’ve taken on within my own family,
I’ve developed a deep sense of empathy and commitment to helping others. EMS represents
the intersection of those values with fast-paced, meaningful work, and I am passionate
about providing both competent care and genuine human connection to those in need,
(and the rush can be really fun).”
What led you to choose South?
“I chose the University of South Alabama because it offered a chance to realign my life with the path I truly felt called to follow, being now emergency medical services. After initially majoring in dance at Troy University pursuing a BFA with no medical in mind, I came to realize that while I had a deep appreciation for the arts, my hidden passion lay in providing care and support during critical moments, but at the time unaware if I would have been able to succeed, afraid to take the risk. When I began exploring options in the medical field after my not so outstanding freshman year, South Alabama stood out not only for its strong EMS program but also for the people within it.
“One of the most influential figures in my decision was Jason Brooks from the EMS
department, being the first person to actually introduce me into the medical and EMS
field, with his passion and desire for students to succeed, through honesty about
the challenges, and encouragement during my early uncertainty which helped solidify
my choice. Through his guidance and the welcoming environment at South, I found the
clarity and confidence I needed to commit fully to becoming an EMS professional in
future, to take the risk.”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“In my second semester at USA, I have found my major change and restart on my life trajectory to be new and challenging, through this past year I’ve gotten my EMT and AEMT certifications, joined a sorority, tried out many different clubs, started my first job in the medical field, and have had the privilege of meeting outstanding people who continue to inspire me to work hard towards my goals and in my field. Being a student within the EMS major at South is not as simple as some deem it to be, with rigorous and fast paced programs and exams, it is most definitely one I am still getting used to, but still one to love.”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“Outside of class and studying, I participate in my sorority Alpha Omicron Pi events, philanthropy, and bondings, as well as working on almost all of my days off for an ambulance service, and I at least attempt to upkeep some of my dance skills and tricks to not fully let go of that passion that I still have. I enjoy going to the gym with my friends since dance isn't a huge part of my life anymore as well, and overall shopping for my fish or random trinkets for my apartment.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I have numerous ideas for my plans after graduation, but one of my end goals is to be a dual nurse and paramedic, perhaps taking an accelerator program to get my BSN after my EMS degree, with an end goal of being a flight medic/nurse. I'm aware of how competitive each program and field I wish to enter is, but I am determined to work hard to reach my goals or even end up changing my plans as I still have time ahead of me and many ideas for my future in mind, another one being of course obtaining my critical care.”
What advice would you offer to future EMS students?
“Just jump in and take the risk, listen to yourself and what you really want.”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“Almost every single thing I own is pink, especially my room.”
Marjorie Kingsmore
Class Year:
2026
Where are you from?
Birmingham, AL
Which EMS certifications have you completed so far?
EMT, AEMT
Why do you want to work as an EMS provider?
“I have always loved helping people who need it. I originally wanted to be an Athletic Trainer because it had that first responder feel, but mainly for sports. I ended up changing my major to EMS because being a paramedic has always been nagging me in the back of my head.”
What led you to choose South?
“My previous major being exercise science to be an athletic trainer and got a job as a student athletic trainer for the football team my first two years!”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“It’s been very interesting to say the least, but in a good way! I was in AOII, I recently went ALUM, which gave me some great friends, but I’ve met so many different kinds of people and I absolutely love it. I’ve also loved all my EMS professors! They may be VERY tough on me, but it means a lot that they really care for their students.”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“I try to hang out with my friends when I can no matter what it is! I also enjoy crocheting which I recently picked up.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I hope to live in Mobile for a couple more years and work as a paramedic!”
What advice would you offer to future EMS students?
“Make connections with the people you interact with! Getting close with my preceptors on clinicals and upperclassmen has helped me learn so much more than just being in the classroom. Study, study, study!”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“A fun fact is that I went to 5 countries in Europe in the span of 2 weeks!”
Anisa Saleh
Class Year:
2025
Where are you from?
Santa Barbara, California
Which EMS certifications have you completed so far?
EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic
Why do you want to work as an EMS provider?
“I was drawn to the fast pace of emergency medicine and the opportunity to provide one-on-one care for patients.”
What led you to choose South?
“I chose South because of its fairly unique offering of a bachelor’s degree in EMS.”
What has your experience been like as a student at South?
“I have had a great experience here. I started by living in the dorms my first two years here before living off campus my last year and working, so I got to have a good mix of college and professional experience.”
What do you like to do outside of class and studying?
“I like to spend time with my friends, work, and read books.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduation, I plan to work as a paramedic on an ambulance before eventually transitioning to critical care and flight.”
What advice would you offer to future EMS students?
“I would say that an EMT course is a fantastic place to start if you think there’s even a chance you could be interested in EMS. EMT is a great bridge whether you plan to go on to paramedic or any other health profession.”
What is a fun fact about yourself?
“One fun fact about me is that I am a PADI certified scuba diver.”