Ming DeMers

Ming DeMers

Project Title: Help! The 911 System Has Fallen and Can’t Get Up!

Project Description: The US 911 system emerged in the 1970s from a need to standardize and simplify emergency response. Despite the national movement, implementation occurred at a county-level. As a result, response times, agency coverage, level of life support, and patient outcome have varied greatly over the nation’s numerous rural towns and bustling cities. This project aims to examine the variance of response times and identify so-called “911 help deserts,” where the time between calling 911 and getting help is significantly too long, or the quality of care is comparably low. There will be an analysis of how patient outcomes, including life or death, might be different in these deserts, compared to other well-resourced geographies. Finally, there will be a network-allocation analysis to suggest how to more optimally place ambulances, and how to improve the response, care, and outcome for all patients.

Most Important Accomplishment: Throughout my undergraduate career, I've tried to explore everything Cornell has to offer and learn from the community's diverse perspectives. I'm proud of that through various classes, projects, and jobs, I've created many memories, made new friends, and learned so much.

Reflections on College Scholars Program: I am excited about the freedom and opportunities that the program has given me. Without curriculum requirements, I am grateful free to pursue and discover my passions and to work closely with faculty on a research project of my own. I especially appreciate the cohort of diverse scholars and creative thinkers with whom I can discover and grow.