Donna Weiss and Toni Milan Respond Right EMS Academy

by Julia Paulus

With years of experience working as EMTs and first responders to emergencies, Toni Milan and Donna Weiss came to a realization: Few people knew how to respond in an emergency. “While running 911 calls, we would see people not doing anything, whether they weren’t willing or trained to provide care, before the ambulance arrived,” says Milan. “We knew we needed to teach people basic skills to use before the ambulance arrived. It was exciting as paramedics and teachers.”

So the pair started Respond Right EMS Academy. “We ran with it right after the night we were talking,” says Weiss. “We thought, ‘Let’s do what we know and have a love for.’ We found every resource we could. The St. Charles Economic Development Center was instrumental in our company. It was a driving force and provided us with mentors. We started in 2001 by doing CPR and first aid training and selling AEDs (automatic external defibrillators).”

Years later, after both having suffered injuries and becoming disabled out of working on the field as EMTs, Weiss and Milan realized it was time to do more with Respond Right. “We have been full time since October 2008, and that’s when we started the academy,” says Weiss. “We started by applying to the state to provide continuing education units. The state said yes and also said, ‘Will you also do your own EMT program?’ That was December 2008. We had our first EMT class in May 2009 with seven students.” 

The partners have continued to grow their business, and even change their industry, through past relationships and by capitalizing on opportunities. One example is Respond Right’s affiliation with St. Charles Community College. “Students can earn hours through us toward their associate’s degree in emergency medical science,” says Weiss. “You don’t need a degree to become a licensed paramedic, but we stress to them the importance of finishing their degree. They shouldn’t stop at a certificate. Our affiliation can help our students earn a two-year degree. Lindenwood may start accepting credits toward a degree in fire science. This is totally different than past EMS education.”