CFCC EMT alumni answered fate’s persistent call

The last career choice Jeramy Martin thought he’d pursue was Emergency Medical Technician. Little did he know, fate had different plans in store for him.

JOURNEY TO EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Following years of dedicated service as a combat medic in the U.S. Army, Jeramy found himself unable to shake the call of emergency medicine. Despite exploring alternative career paths, the urgency of accidents and sudden medical crises seemed to gravitate toward him persistently.

His military training automatically kicked in whenever he encountered individuals in distress. Jeramy vividly remembers a pivotal moment that caused him to reconsider pursuing an EMT certification.

Discovering a vehicle in a ditch with an unconscious driver, Jeramy swiftly extracted the individual from the car while another bystander dialed 911. Initiating CPR and administering compressions, Jeramy persevered until the ambulance arrived. Fascinated, he observed the EMS team assume control, implementing further life-saving measures for the driver.

“I watched EMS Intubate, start an IO (intraosseous-in the bone), and defibrillate until they got a femoral pulse,” Jeramy commented. “It was all pretty amazing, and I knew this was not like the Army at all.”

RENEWED PURPOSE

Several days after the incident, Jeramy received an unexpected phone call from the man whose life he had aided. Unaccustomed to seeking recognition, Jeramy was deeply moved by the man’s expression of gratitude.

Jeramy was already contemplating a return to the medical field. He found himself buoyed by the strong encouragement and even financial support offered by the appreciative individual.

“It kept running in my mind that this is what I’m supposed to do,” shared Jeramy. “You know, this is what I do naturally.”

A FATEFUL CONNECTION

Jeramy shared the details of the incident with one of his co-workers at a local concrete company. The co-worker turned out to be the son of John Popella, former director of Novant’s Mobile Integrated Health team, VitaLink . Popella agreed to meet with Jeramy.

After listening to his story, Popella recommended that Jeramy visit Cape Fear Community College and talk to the EMT program director. Popella promised Jeramy an interview when he was near graduation.

FROM STUDENT TO MENTOR

Eager to begin, Jeramy promptly enrolled in CFCC’s EMT program and subsequently pursued the Advanced EMT program.

“My experience at Cape Fear was amazing,” Jeramy said. “The course was intense, but my instructors were great. They were always helpful and wanted the best for their students.”

Similar to other CFCC health science programs, EMT training includes clinical rotations, providing Jeramy with invaluable hands-on experience. Whether aiding crash victims alongside experienced crews or responding to less severe calls, Jeramy appreciated every opportunity to enhance his skills.

As graduation approached for Jeramy, Popella kept his promise and arranged an interview. Now, Jeramy works for VitaLink and hosts CFCC EMT students, allowing him to share his experience and encourage current students.

“As a training facility, students from Cape Fear ride with us, and I’ve trained many students from Cape Fear,” said Jeramy. “There are students from other schools that also ride with us, and I have to say that CFCC students are better prepared than most. It’s a great program, and we’ve hired graduates from CFCC.”

Jeramy is glad he took the leap of faith and recommends CFCC to anyone contemplating Emergency Medical Services training. “I have never looked back,” Jeramy noted. “It was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.”

To learn more about CFCC’s EMT Training programs, visit Emergency Medical Services .