How We Got Here

The inspiration for EQUIP came from our founder, Chloe, who has spent years working in the emergency medical services field. Through her work, she witnessed significant gaps in healthcare education and emergency preparedness, both within the community and across emergency response systems. Chloe saw how traditional approaches often failed to consider the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, leaving them disproportionately vulnerable in times of crisis. This realization made it clear: something had to change.

Chloe envisioned EQUIP as a solution to bridge these gaps by creating a resource-rich platform for diverse medical education, training, and outreach—specifically designed to meet the needs of communities that are often underserved. Their extensive background in EMS and healthcare, and deep passion for inclusive care, led to the development of innovative community programs that not only teach essential life-saving skills but also foster cultural competence and empathy. These programs are geared toward empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to prevent negative health outcomes, manage physical and mental health, prepare for emergencies, and advocate for themselves and others.

But EQUIP’s mission goes beyond community education, resources, and outreach. We also focus on transforming the way emergency responders and healthcare professionals approach their work. We believe that to truly serve a community, these professionals must be equipped to meet the diverse needs of their patients with sensitivity, respect, and a deep awareness of their own biases. By applying the same techniques we teach to first responders and healthcare professionals, our team shows up as first responders and healthcare professionals committed to making spaces and practices more inclusive. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe and confident calling for help, knowing that they will be treated with respect, their wellbeing prioritized, and their voices heard.

The Turning Point

EQUIP’s journey took a significant turn when Chloe encountered a deeply harmful work environment in the EMS industry. She witnessed a blatant disregard for safety, ethics, and the wellbeing of both employees and the communities they served. Her former boss's poor judgment in hiring practices and his disconnect from the needs of diverse communities exposed the critical need for change. This experience solidified Chloe’s resolve to create a better, more inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and healthcare education—one that EQUIP is committed to driving forward.

But the turning point didn’t end there. Around the same time, Chloe’s life was further transformed by a diagnosis of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and related health concerns that impacted her mobility. Suddenly, they found themselves needing new tools to be prepared in an emergency—tools they hadn’t needed before. Mobility aids, assistance from others, and a heightened awareness of their surroundings became part of their daily reality. This drastic shift in their physical health forced them to re-evaluate not just their personal preparedness, but also how emergency response systems accommodate (or fail to accommodate) those with similar conditions.

Chloe, who is non-binary femme and part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, also brings a unique perspective to gender inclusivity in medical care. Their experiences as both a provider and a patient have highlighted that gender inclusivity extends beyond gender-affirming care—it encompasses every interaction and decision made within healthcare settings.

Additionally, as someone with the ability to become pregnant, Chloe was devastated by the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022. While EQUIP does not provide abortion care, we actively assist with emergency contraception and connecting those in need with additional resources. Our programs also include comprehensive education on safe sex and sex education, emphasizing the rights and autonomy of all individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies.

These experiences have profoundly shaped how Chloe approaches emergency preparedness and response. It wasn’t just about knowing how to respond in an emergency; it was about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or any other characteristic, has the resources and support they need to feel safe and secure. Chloe had long known that the EMS system needed to change, but these personal experiences highlighted specific areas where EQUIP could enhance accessibility and inclusivity, making sure no one is left behind.

As they navigated these changes, Chloe also recognized the need to find a new balance between work and life. The urgency of her mission at EQUIP never waned, but they knew they had to reconnect with what truly mattered—community, inclusion, and the empowerment of people. This shift in focus brought them back to the core values of EQUIP, emphasizing community building and a deep commitment to fostering environments where everyone feels prepared and supported.

In the face of these personal and professional challenges, Chloe didn’t just continue on her path—they redefined it. They channeled their experiences into EQUIP’s mission, ensuring that the company’s approach to emergency preparedness is as inclusive, empathetic, and comprehensive as possible.

Our Vision for the Future

At EQUIP, we see a world where everyone feels safe, prepared, and valued. We’re not just building a company; we’re creating a movement. Our goal is to foster a world where inclusivity, continuous learning, and ethical practices are at the forefront of emergency preparedness and healthcare education. We aim to transform the landscape of emergency response and healthcare by creating environments that are not only welcoming and accommodating but also well-equipped to handle any situation.

We strive to ensure that all emergency responders are equipped not only with the technical skills but also with the cultural competence and empathy needed to serve every person in our diverse communities. Our goal is for every community member to trust that when they call for help, they will be met with care, understanding, and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our story is still being written, and we invite you to be a part of it. Join us as we continue to pave the way for a future where healthcare and emergency response are truly inclusive, and where everyone has the tools they need to protect and care for themselves and others. Together, we can redefine preparedness and build a safer, more empathetic world.