BACKGROUND: Patrick Monico is an EMT who lives in Madison and has been volunteering with the KAA since January, 2017. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in molecular and cell biology and currently works as a researcher at the Yale School of Medicine.

Q: How does someone who lives in Madison and who grew up there become interested in the KAA?

MONICO: While searching for an association to volunteer with, I looked for a place with a welcoming atmosphere, a flexible schedule and a location close to where I live. With those criteria in mind, I searched for places near Madison, and the KAA fit the profile. My choice was further solidified after experiencing how the KAA was incredibly receptive and welcoming of new members.

Q: You’re one of the youngest EMTs. When did you first become interested … and why?

MONICO: I became interested in being an EMT during my sophomore year of college. Since I was pursuing a career in medicine, I knew that I needed experience interacting with patients. Becoming an EMT provided me with the opportunity to gain direct patient experience and serve my community at the same time.

Q: How does becoming an EMT fit your vision of what you’d like to do professionally?

MONICO: As an aspiring physician, I knew that I wanted to gain more experience in the healthcare field. Volunteering as an EMT allows me to gain clinical experience and serves as a strong foundation that I hope to build on in medical school. I greatly enjoy interacting with patients, which has reaffirmed my decision to pursue the arduous and expensive training necessary to become a physician.

Q: What is the hardest part?

MONICO: Documentation. More time is spent documenting patient interactions than delivering care to patients. I find that obtaining all the required information from patients can be particularly challenging especially when patients’ symptoms affect their abilities to communicate.

Q: What is the most satisfying part?

MONICO: Witnessing a patient’s anxiety decline throughout the time that I am with him. Emergencies are very stressful, and patients are often scared and anxious, particularly at the onset of the event. It is very satisfying to see a patient express relief when we arrive on the scene.

Q: Any message for other college-aged students who might consider becoming an EMT?

MONICO: I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to work in the healthcare field. It provides some very helpful insights into the reality of patient care, particularly the challenges and rewards of working with patients. Another positive aspect of working as an EMT is the relationships that you make with your fellow EMTs. The work demands a great deal of teamwork, which means you get to know your fellow EMTs very well. This was something I never considered when signing up, but one of the things that I have enjoyed the most.

BACKGROUND: Rick Pribnow is a mechanical/marine engineer who is now retired but who, for the last 10 years of his career, worked at the Museum of Natural History in New York City as its Senior Director of Facilities and Operations. Rick has been living in Killingworth the past 17 years and is an EMT.

Q: How long have you been an EMT and why did you decide to become one?

PRIBNOW: I have been an EMT a little over a year, and I decided to do it because I was looking for something that would be mentally challenging and totally different from what I did professionally.

Q: What are the greatest challenges?

PRIBNOW: It is challenging to stay up to date with changing techniques and regulations.

Q: What’s been your most memorable experience?

PRIBNOW: On my first ride on an ambulance to Bridgeport I had to perform CPR on a patient. A bit nerve wracking.

Q: What characterizes the EMTs here in Killingworth?

PRIBNOW: The EMTs here in Killingworth are among the most generous co-workers I have ever been associated within in giving their time and helping us new guys get up to speed.

Q: Any advice for those thinking of becoming EMTs here?

PRIBNOW: Fr anyone thinking of becoming an EMT, I would say it is extremely rewarding to be part of a team that does so much good for the community.

BACKGROUND: Jess Accetta is an EMT and nursing student with a degree in biology. She’s been an EMT in Killingworth for two years, is an EMT with the Clinton Ambulance and is a resident of Clinton. She is also the youngest EMT with the Killingworth department.

Q: You’re the youngest EMT in the KAA. When did you decide this was something you were interested in and why?

ACCETTA: I chose to come to the KAA after being trained here and enjoying the camaraderie, team work and pride displayed in every task that’s presented to these responders. It’s an honor to work alongside such incredible people every day. I’ve always liked helping people, and I’m going to school to be a nurse. When I turned 18, taking an EMT class seemed like the perfect start. Being a little younger has not made a difference … aside, that is, from being called “kid.” On every call or situation that we’re presented with, being the youngest or oldest EMT doesn’t make a difference. We’re all equals and offer aid to the best of our abilities.

Q: You also work as an EMT with the Clinton Ambulance. How does that experience differ from the KAA?

ACCETTA: Both departments differ from each other, but the end goal is the same: Do the job we’re called for with the utmost respect and care. In Clinton, I work alongside the police department and first responding EMTs and firefighters, and we’re all in one building together. In Killingworth, despite the buildings being separate (they are next-door to each other), we all work together and coordinate with the Connecticut State Police when needed to achieve our results.

Q: Are there ever times you’re called by both at the same time? And, if so, what do you do?

ACCETTA: Sometimes emergencies are so big in nature that we have to call a mutual-aid department, or we simply don’t have the manpower to respond to a call and call for mutual aid. Towns surrounding us all follow the same practice; we have each other’s backs. If I’m scheduled for either town, and the other needs help, it’s hard to have to let it go. If I give my time commitment to one, I have to follow through. However, if both have a call, and both need an EMT (this has happened), I check to see the nature of the call and wait to hear a second tone and who still needs help. Whichever town has the call with need of more help is where I’ll go. I always carry a spare T-shirt, just in case.

Q: What are your career goals, and how does the KAA help you achieve them?

ACCETTA: Career wise, I’m studying to be a Pediatric Endocronology/Oncology nurse. KAA helped set me on the right path with interest in health care, practices in patient care and priceless experience and constant support. I’m very grateful to work alongside members of the KAA.

Q: What’s your message for teens or college-aged students interested in following your path?

ACCETTA: Just try it. It’s a lot of hard work and commitment. Not everyone wants to get up at 0200, and some days are harder than others. But if you have the passion for compassion and the drive to help others around you this is the right place to be.