For May Truxal, a career spent caring for others eventually led to a new way to serve: volunteering with Little Silver EMS.
As a registered nurse and nurse practitioner, May was no stranger to patient care. But after spending her career in hospitals and outpatient settings, emergency medical services offered something different: the opportunity to provide care locally, whenever her community needed it most.
Her decision to take that step was inspired by an event that affected communities across the country. “The 9/11 disaster was the event that led me into this field,” May said. “I wanted to help in any way I could.”
May’s path to Little Silver EMS is one of many on the squad, where volunteers bring different experiences, but share a common desire to serve their community.
Keep reading to learn how May found her place at Little Silver EMS, what has kept her volunteering over the years, and why she encourages others to give EMS a try.
From Healthcare Professional to Volunteer EMT
May brought years of healthcare knowledge and experience with her when she joined Little Silver EMS, but working as a volunteer EMT introduced her to an entirely new side of patient care.
“The EMS field was intriguing and new for me,” she said.
Instead of working within the familiar controlled environment of a hospital or medical office, May learned how to respond to emergencies in homes, businesses, parks and on the streets of her community. With support from Little Silver EMS leadership and fellow members, she gained the skills and confidence she needed to serve as an EMT.
“Little Silver EMS leadership helped teach and guide me,” May said.
That support is something May believes can benefit anyone interested in volunteering, whether they already have a background in healthcare or are completely new to emergency medical services.
Little Silver EMS volunteers come from a variety of professions, experiences, and walks of life. Some bring healthcare experience like May, while others begin with no medical background at all. With training, guidance, and support from fellow members, volunteers can build lifesaving skills while making a meaningful difference right here in their community.
Caring for Neighbors and Community
Over time, May discovered that volunteering with Little Silver EMS was about much more than responding to emergency calls.
“It was more than just emergency care,” she said. “It was helping the community and neighbors and family. I developed a sense of pride being an EMT.”
That connection remains one of the driving forces behind her continued service. Each call offers an opportunity to work alongside fellow volunteers and help someone in the community during a moment when they need it most.
“I am rewarded every time we work as a team and by how much our patients appreciate us,” May said.
For someone who describes herself as a “people person,” those relationships are an important part of the experience. Volunteering has also given May the chance to continue learning, build new friendships, and become part of what she calls her “EMS family.”
Helping the Next Generation of Volunteers
Today, May isn’t just serving patients. She’s also helping other Little Silver EMS volunteers get their start. “It’s rewarding to mentor new students and members,” she said.
For anyone in Little Silver or the surrounding community who has considered volunteering with EMS but isn’t sure whether they’re qualified, May’s offers this encouragement: give it a chance.
“I would encourage new members, in the medical field or not, to join because of the team’s support and guidance.”
Whether you’re looking to use skills you already have, learn lifesaving skills, build new friendships, or simply find a meaningful way to give back to your neighbors, Little Silver EMS offers an opportunity to make a difference close to home.
Interested in becoming a volunteer or learning more about volunteering with Little Silver EMS? Visit our Join page to learn more and take the first step.
