ECHO started with a spark—an idea born in the heart of Davidson College. A few pre-health students, who were also certified EMTs and CPR instructors, came together with a simple goal: use their skills to give back to the community. They began by offering CPR training to fellow students, staff, and local residents. What they didn’t expect was the overwhelming response.

As more people showed up to learn, something clicked. What if every college campus had student trainers doing the same thing? What if students—often waiting for the "real" work of medicine—could start making a difference right now?

That small group grew into a network. They trained more students to become CPR instructors, who then trained others in the community. The impact multiplied fast. And so, ECHO was born. We were founded on the belief that pre-health students don’t have to wait to be healthcare professionals to save lives. They can lead, teach, and inspire today.

If you’re reading this and wondering if something like ECHO could work on your campus, the answer is simple: Yes. It can. And it should.
Starting an ECHO initiative is more than a leadership opportunity—it’s a chance to build real skills, create real change, and bring life-saving education to the people around you.

So go ahead—start it. Build your team. Train your peers. Teach your community.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s ECHO the change.