Emory Healthcare EMS: Sarah Griffin

A little sibling rivalry can be a good thing in the long run. That was the case for Sarah Griffin.

Griffin has spent the past seven years in EMS and the last four working as a paramedic for Emory Healthcare–Warner Robins and Perry. She also serves as a preceptor for the hospital and has recently earned the title of Chief Field Training Officer.

“As a paramedic on a high call volume 911 unit, I respond to emergency calls, provide immediate medical interventions, administer and manage critical lifesaving medications and treatments, stabilize patients in high-stress situations and ensure safe transport to the emergency room,” she said.

A typical shift for Griffin usually begins with her checking her ambulance and making sure she has all the equipment needed for the day.

Throughout the day, Griffin said she responds to 911 calls, communicates with patients and provides care within her scope of practice. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, working out, cooking and meal prepping.

In her career, she has earned state certification as an EMS Instructor and Paramedic as well as a nationally certified paramedic. She was also named the 2025 Paramedic of the Year by Houston Healthcare EMS and the Knights of Columbus. Griffin has an Associate of Science in Para-medicine.

“While on the job, I’ve found that patient care often extends beyond clinical treatment,” she said. “Compassion, situational awareness and addressing the needs of both patients and their families can have a meaningful impact on outcomes and overall well-being.”

Griffin initially wanted to become an audiologist after graduating high school. After taking a personality test in college class, the results told her she “didn’t belong in an office setting or a job that is too routine”.

Unsure of what she wanted to do, Griffin called her brother.

“[He’s] a 68-Whiskey combat medic in the Army and now a medical student,” she said. “He has always inspired me and pushed me to do more, learn more and to be the best I can be.”

Despite their unspoken competition between them, Griffin’s brother encouraged her to enroll in EMT school. She then signed up that following semester.

“After becoming an EMT, I wanted to do more for my patients, so I passed the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians for Advanced EMT training,” she said.

Griffin then proceeded to go to paramedic school and has been one ever since. Her favorite part is interestingly the unexpectedness of the job as a whole. She said no shifts or days are the same and never knows what is going to happen.

“I also love being able to help people feel better when they are having a bad day,” she said. “There’s a lot of joy and fulfillment that comes from being able to confidently say, ‘I made a difference today’, or ‘I saved a life today’.”

Griffin is not sure why she was nominated to represent Emory Healthcare EMS as their Hometown Hero. She said there are many others who should be recognized, but is grateful to have received such recognition.

Overall, Griffin desires to learn and improve each and every day and wants to serve others at the highest possible level.

“I want to help others, and I want to be the hand that reaches out to someone who needs support. I want to be the person whose smile brings comfort and can change someone’s day,” she said. “I want to be the kind of provider I would want to care for my own grandparents. Ultimately, I want to be the change I hope to see in the world.”