(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Long before starting the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certificate program at Texas State Technical College, Lorinda Chairez was drawn to helping people at their most vulnerable moments.
“Years ago, my mother battled cancer, my father had heart issues and my mother-in-law also had cancer,” Chairez said.
Chairez was the primary caregiver for her parents until their deaths and later assisted her husband in caring for her in-laws until her mother-in-law passed away.
The losses were deeply personal, yet helped shape Chairez’s commitment to serving others in need — especially after a pivotal moment at her former workplace.
“I decided to become a first responder after a man suffered a heart attack in front of me,” she said. “(He) collapsed and became unconscious. I called 911 and performed chest compressions because I am CPR certified. I remained calm and focused until the paramedics arrived. (He) survived, and two months later his daughter came to the business to thank me for saving her father’s life.”
That experience confirmed Chairez’s calling to emergency medical care, and led her to enroll at TSTC.
“The instructors were supportive throughout the EMT program, particularly during my maternity leave,” the Edinburg native said. “I earned my certificate in 2025 and I am now pursuing an associate degree in the program to become a paramedic.”
Luis Martinez is one of Chairez’s instructors.
“Lorinda demonstrates great knowledge of patient care and a strong grasp of the human element involved in assessment and treatment,” he said.
Following her graduation, Chairez began working for two McAllen-area medical companies.
“I’ve spent the past four months as a part-time EMT basic at Med-Care EMS, and for the past three weeks, I’ve held the same position at Vitalis Medical Transport Services,” she said.
Two of her supervisors praise Chairez’s work ethic.
“Lorinda is resourceful and relies on her patient care protocols,” said Felipe Alvarez, a supervisor and administrator of records at Med-Care EMS. “She collaborates effectively with our team.”
“Lorinda has a remarkable ability to build trust with patients, helping them feel comfortable and communicate openly,” said Jeremiah Worley, medic supervisor at Vitalis Medical Transport Services.
Chairez said that TSTC has given her a broader understanding of career paths in EMS.
“I discovered that paramedics can pursue careers with agencies like the Department of Public Safety, Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security,” she said.
For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.