BACKGROUND: Jordan, 20, recently became an EMT after taking a break from her studies at the University of Connecticut where she is majoring in animal science. She grew up in Deep River, attended Valley Regional High School and is one of two girls in her family. She has a younger sister currently going to Valley.
Q: You’re from Deep River, yet you’re working with the Killingworth Ambulance Association. Why?
WHITE: I’ve known Mike and Marguerite (Haaga, members of the KAA board of directors and EMT instructors) for awhile, and there’s a young woman who used to work here who brought me here. She’s part of the reason why I’m doing this. Plus, it’s pretty convenient. It’s close to where I live.
Q: Why did you want to become an EMT?
WHITE: Basically just to help people. I’ve always looked up to people who are emergency responders and put other people first.
Q: Was there an incident or first-hand experience that influenced you?
WHITE: A couple of years ago my Mom passed out at her house, and we had no idea why. She ended up having a heart issue, and the EMTs that came were actually people we knew. They were very quick. They were very fast to respond. And they got her to the hospital as quickly as they could. That’s the reason.
Q: Any advice for persons interested in becoming EMTs?
WHITE: Study hard. The course is long, but if it’s something you think you want to do it’s worth it to go through the classes. There are a lot of great people here.
Q: Is this something you envision doing indefinitely?
WHITE: I think so, yeah. I obviously haven’t had a ton of experience yet, but once I get out there I feel I’m definitely going to love it.