BACKGROUND: Dan O’Sullivan is a 31-year resident of Killingworth who is the executive director of a non-profit, Diocese of Norwich Outreach to Haiti, as well as an active member of the St. Lawrence parish. He is involved in a number of civic organizations, including the Killingworth Lions Club, and is an EMT and president of the KAA.
Q: When and why did you decide to become an EMT?
O’SULLIVAN: I had been drawn to EMT work for a while but, with work and a number of outside interests, had never made the time to do it. There were really two aspects that drew me to it: First, I wanted to be able to help if I happened to be on the scene of an emergency. I didn’t want to be there and feel helpless. Second, having the knowledge put me in a position to help on an on-going basis, not just if I happened to be at the scene. When I (briefly) retired in 2012, becoming an EMT was a chance to learn and help that I couldn’t pass up. Of course, about the time I completed the training, I came across a job running a none-profit, Outreach to Haiti, that was also an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
Q: What is it about the practice that you enjoy most?
O’SULLIVAN: First, there is a chance to really help people; to literally save lives. Second, there’s the mental stimulation. The training is comprehensive, and then you have to apply what you learn. Finally, there’s the chance to interact with people — the great people in the ambulance association, but also the patients. Helping someone when they are in extreme pain, discomfort or stress is a different type of interaction than you typically get and is very rewarding.
Q: What should people know about the KAA that they may not?
O’SULLIVAN: It is a completely volunteer organization, supported by the community and insurance payments, and one that can always use more EMTs. As you would expect, the ambulance is on call 24/7. We can use more EMTs to help fill those slots. The training is rigorous (as you would want) but not overwhelming, and the work is rewarding.
Q: You have so many other interests, how do you find the time to be an EMT and board president?
O’SULLIVAN: My children are grown, so that frees up time. But when you are really interested in something you find the time. Also, all the organizations that I’m involved in have a lot of great people in them. If you are pressed for time, they are always willing to step in and help. One of the interesting things, being involved in the activities I am, is meeting all the people in Killingworth that give enormous time and talent to the community. I feel blessed to be part of such a committed, caring community.
Q: What is the function of the KAA board and how are members chosen?
O’SULLIVAN: The KAA board provides oversight for the association. It has a governance and operational roles and helps raise funds, manage the money, equipment, training, etc., for the KAA. The board makes sure the needed resources are available and used in an effective and appropriate manner. The board is elected annually. It has a nominating committee that looks for people with interests and skills to help. The nominations are made in February, and members elect the board at the March meeting. Members are people who have committed a certain amount of time to the association as techs, members of the board or members of the board committees. People interested in getting involved in any way can always contact members of the association to express interest. You don’t need to wait for us to find you! And you don’t need to be an EMT to be a valuable member of our association.