Module 1: Vitals, Vibes, and Very Real Emergencies 

This microlearning module prepares college students, especially those living off-campus, to respond thoughtfully and effectively in roommate medical emergencies. Through a realistic, scenario-based approach, learners follow Carlo as he navigates a situation involving his roommate, Theo, experiencing a medical crisis. The module blends humor, realism, and urgency to deliver an important message: hope is not a plan—preparedness is. 

Key Topics: 

• Explore the consequences of being prepared vs. unprepared. 

• 911 dispatchers rely on roommates to provide accurate information in time-sensitive situations. 

• Having awkward but important conversations before an emergency can prevent delays in care and improve outcomes. 

• Reflect on missed opportunities for preparedness 

• Emergency preparedness involves knowing basic health info, medication locations, and emergency contact preferences 

Module 2: Medical Emergency Preparedness is Main Character Energy 

This module guides roommates through the process of starting a medical emergency preparedness conversation—without it being awkward or overwhelming. Learners explore how to bring up the topic naturally, share key information, and build trust through clear, respectful communication. The module blends real-world language with practical tips, empowering learners to take that first step toward a safer, more informed living arrangement. 

Key topics include: 

• When and how to start the conversation in a low-pressure way 

• Sharing essential info like allergies, medications, and conditions 

• Swapping emergency contacts for peace of mind 

• Understanding preferences around communication and assistance 

• What to say when a roommate isn’t ready to talk  

• Using a simple emergency plan template if everyone is on board 

Roommate Discussion Guide & Plan Template

The Medical Emergency Preparedness Roommate Discussion Guide & Plan (available here) is the final application task for Module 2. It supports young adults in shared residences by guiding them through proactive conversations about handling medical emergencies. The guide includes conversation prompts and a fillable template for sharing critical health information, emergency contacts, and communication preferences. This task reinforces key module concepts by encouraging learners to apply planning strategies in real-life settings, promoting safer, more supportive living environments. 

Roommate Reflection Guide 

The Roommate Reflection Guide (available here) was designed to extend the impact of the learning experience by promoting metacognitive reflection. Its purpose is to encourage learners to actively think about their knowledge, planning, communication strategies, and growth as they navigate emergency preparedness conversations with their roommates. By using targeted metacognitive prompts across key categories–declarative, procedural, conditional knowledge, as well as planning, monitoring, and evaluating–this guide helps students internalize and personalize their learning. It also supports the development of critical life skills, such as decision-making, self-regulation, and real-world problem-solving, which are essential for handling medical emergencies confidently and collaboratively. The guide respects learner autonomy by offering flexible reflection methods (journaling, typing, or verbalizing) and encourages students to view preparedness not just as a task but as an ongoing mindset. Research shows that prompting structured reflection improves articulation, enhances knowledge transfer, and strengthens long-term learning outcomes