Rebecca Kess ‘21 has worked as an emergency medical technician for more than two years whilst being a North Cross student at the same time.

Rebecca Kess ‘21 has worked as an emergency medical technician for more than two years whilst being a North Cross student at the same time. 

Kess was introduced to North Cross when her family relocated to Roanoke from London.

“I originally came to North Cross in 6th grade because my family had just relocated to Roanoke from London, England.” Kess said during an email interview. “I love how close everyone is at North Cross. It truly is a family and everyone is so close.”

Whilst studying in North Cross, Kess decided to volunteer as an emergency medical technician. Kess’s job consists of responding to emergency calls and delivering patients care and support in a prehospital setting.

“Our calls range from helping people off the floor who have fallen, to car accidents, house fires, medical codes, strokes, heart attacks and even to a mass casualty incident,” Kess said. “ Probably one of my most memorable was a few months ago, an elderly woman choked on food and then went into cardiac arrest. We did everything we could and revived her but unfortunately she later passed away at the hospital. One of my earlier calls in my EMS career was a car accident for someone who had overdosed while diving and crashed head on into a tree at high speed. At the hospital we got to go into the trauma bay which was an amazingly cool experience and the man actually ended up surviving the crash.”

Kess reflects the stressful nature of being an emergency medical technician when she talks about her personal hardships working in the field.

“I think the hardest part of working as an EMT is seeing and dealing with some hard calls.” Kess said. “You see things that nobody should have to see but at the end of the day you have maybe saved someone's life. Additionally the unknown of what kind of calls you are going to get during a shift is hard too. Always having to be ready to go in a split second. I think the biggest thing that has shaped me is to learn to stand up for yourself and to keep your head up no matter what call you have or whatever situation you are put in. Also, that you never know what day might be your last so live life to the fullest and don’t regret anything.”

Kess has not enjoyed as vibrant a student life as she would have hoped due to her volunteering efforts, but she does immerse herself in a variety of activities. 

“...I wish I had immersed myself more in clubs, sports and activities.” Kess said. “Ever since I came to North Cross everyone always told me to and I wish I had listened to them. “

Kess also advises future generations of students who wish to volunteer in the same line of work as hers.

“Get experience young and really find out what you love.” Kess said. “It will be a lot of hard work and not always fun but looking back on it I have never had any better life experiences than the ones at rescue. “




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