BACKGROUND: Lisa grew up in Madison, where she raised her two children, now 37 and 36 years of age. She attended Daniel Hand High School and Post College in Waterbury and, after serving as a legal assistant, recently was named Clinton’s assistant town clerk. Lisa is one of four EMTs who recently joined the KAA after passing exams this winter.
Q: What made you decide to be an EMT at this stage of your life?
BARBOUR: I’ve always wanted to learn the EMT skills. My kids are grown, and now I want to be able to give back to the community. For instance, I’ve volunteered in hospice. I just like it. I really love helping people, and If I can help somebody get out of bad situation or just be there to assist people in everyday life. That was my main goal.
Q: But you were raised in Madison. So why Killingworth?
BARBOUR: One, they were offering a class. And, two, I heard this class is a very good one and that the instructors were very well versed.
Q: The latest class of EMTs here is all female … of a variety of ages … and of a variety of backgrounds. That’s a little bit unusual.
BARBOUR: It was kind of unique that it was all females. Normally, when you think of EMTs, and you see the shows on TV, it’s mostly male. Because they figure females can’t, maybe, lift as much or can’t function as well physically as a male.
Q: But you made it after months of instruction and a challenging exam.
BARBOUR: It was definitely challenging. I called my kids and told them I was taking the class. And some nights I would call them and say, ‘Why am I doing this again?’ Just because I’ve been out of school so long and that coming back and doing this was difficult. It’s like you’re learning all over again after being out of school.