BACKGROUND: Mary Robbenhaar-Fretz was born in Canada and came to Killingworth when her parents (who emigrated to Canada as newlyweds in the late 1950s) moved to Killingworth in 1962. She graduated from Wesleyan University and joined the Peace Corps, teaching English in Niger, West Africa, but she returned to the United States to work as a Youth Services Director in Indiana, where she met her husband, James. When that position was eliminated, she returned east to attend nursing school and acquire what she called “marketable skills.” After working 10 years at Yale as a pediatric nurse, she gained her master’s degree at the Yale School of Nursing and became a nurse practitioner for the next 20 years — 10 of them in the Emergency Department at the Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford. Mary and James are members of the KAA board of directors, as well as EMTs who were among the top responders the past three years.

Q: Was it your background in nursing that led you to become an EMT?

ROBBENHAAR-FRETZ: It wasn’t really my background in nursing that provoked my interest in becoming an EMT, although I certainly thought the experience would help in the course training. What really pushed me to become and EMT were my parents, especially my Mom. My parents were actually founding members of the KAA in the early 1970s. Both were techs and served on the board for many years — my Mom longer than my Dad. Ask Mark (Clifton), Don (McDougall) or any “old-timer” in town, and they will tell you about my Mom being the consummate volunteer. I learned volunteer service from my parents, so it really wasn’t a question of “if” I would become an EMT with the KAA but “when.”

Q: What convinced you to take the leap?

ROBBENHAAR-FRETZ: I thought about it for many years, feeling that it was just something that I had to do — especially after my Mom died in 2013. I really blame Mark (Clifton) for yanking on that final heartstring that pushed me over the edge to join the board. Then I decided I could/would take the EMT leap after I cut back my work hours to part-time, allowing me to devote more time to taking the course and, ultimately, covering shifts.

Q: What was the hardest part of the testing process?

ROBBENHAAR-FRETZ: The hardest part of the test-taking for me was the timed practical skill stations. Having to memorize all the steps in each skill station and then perform them within a specified time frame made me pretty anxious. I’m a perfectionist at heart, and not being able to take my time to get it “just right” made me a little bit crazy.

Q: What was your reaction when you heard you passed?

ROBBENHAAR-FRETZ: I was so ecstatic and relieved to find out I had passed because of all the time studying and practicing. My fellow classmates and I had put a lot of pressure on ourselves, and the fact that you need to pass both the practical skills and the computer cognitive tests on two separate dates was extra stressful.

Q: You and your husband are members of the KAA’s board of directors. Any chance he joins you as an EMT?

ROBBENHAAR-FRETZ: I’m not sure about James joining me as a full-fledged EMT, but I think he might be persuaded to help out as a responder if he can find a nearby Emergency Responder course.

Q: What advice would you give anyone thinking of becoming an EMT?

ROBBENHAAR-FRETZ: Put time in from the beginning of the course, don’t be afraid to ask for help and practice, practice, practice.

BACKGROUND: Lara has been an EMT with the Killingworth Ambulance Association the past 18 years,. She joined shortly after marrying in 2000 and moving to Killingworth with her husband Todd, who’s an EMR with the KAA and Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company. The two have two children, a daughter who’s a freshman at Haddam-Killingworth High School and a son in first grade.

Q: You’re raising two children. What made this job attractive to you?

HAJEK: Volunteering, firemen and EMS run in my family. So, that kind of got me into it. Plus, I’ve always wanted to do something to help the community and help the public. Killingworth is a small, unique community where everybody knows your name whether you’re at the schools, at other functions or the restaurants in town. So it’s kind of nice to see familiar faces, especially when you go to people’s houses. I think that gives them a little bit of comfort having a familiar face there to comfort them.

Q: You’ve been doing this a long time. Any memorable experiences?

HAJEK: I have a couple. My very first one, riding as a third, was a 16-year-old who hit a tree (with his vehicle). We ended up having to LIFE STAR him. LIFE STAR (which is a critical-care helicopter service) landed in Sheldon Park, and I saw the father come in, saw the father very upset and I saw the son take off in the helicopter. And I was like: “I can’t do this. This is too emotional for me.” But I was told, “You’re only human. Situations like this are going to be emotional.” Fortunately, he was OK and came through the injuries. The second was actually a gunshot in town, and I was very nervous getting there. Because you don’t know what you’re going to see. But it wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. Those are the types of memorable things that stick with you, as well as the elderly folks who tend to grab your heart. There’s quite a bit that you remember.

Q: Would you recommend this to others?

HAJEK: I would. If you’re someone who likes to pay it forward and do things for the community … do nice things for people … it’s definitely very rewarding. Extremely rewarding. Because it’s not a day-to-day job. You do it because you want to.

Q: A leading question, but … do you consider yourself better because of it?

HAJEK: I think so because I look at things differently.

Q: You’re active with the KAA, and your husband is an EMR with the KAA and KVFC. With two children at home, can’t that create some logistical problems when the two of you get calls?

HAJEK: At one time my husband and I had to keep swapping (responding to calls) because they (the children) couldn’t stay by themselves. But now my daughter is old enough to baby sit, so we’re partners together. He drives, which is great. Because, to me, it’s showing them volunteerism and helping the community. So I feel like I’m teaching them a lesson.

Q: Did anyone convince you to do this?

HAJEK: My dad and my brother. My brother-in-law. My husband. Actually, my mother-in-law was a volunteer here for many years. They didn’t convince me, but it piqued my interest. And I’m very glad it did.

BACKGROUND: Stephanie, 23, has lived in Killingworth her entire life. She attended Haddam-Killingworth High School, graduated from there in 2014 and gained her degree in allied health science from the University of Connecticut after spending one semester of her freshman year at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has been accepted into UConn’s accelerated nursing school and will begin classes in January, 2020.

Q: Why did you decide on becoming on EMT?

NIXON: I wanted go to PA (Physician’s Assistant) school, so that’s what got me into EMT. You need a lot of experience to get into PA school. I decided that I love emergency medicine, and I’ve always wanted to work in the ER. So I figured becoming an EMT would be the best stepping stone … and I knew a number of people who were doing that. So I took my classes at Middlesex (Community College), and I really, really loved them. One of our classmates was diabetic, and she collapsed in the class. So we actually were first responders at the beginning. Basically, from that moment on I knew this is what I wanted to do.

Q: But you’re headed off to UConn next year?

NIXON: In this journey I actually  decided that nursing was a better position for me so I got accepted into UConn’s accelerated nursing school, starting in January. So that’s going to be a year, but I’ll get my second bachelor’s (degree), and it will be in nursing.

Q: So they’re going to lose you here?

NIXON: For a little bit. But after that I’ll be coming back. I want to continue to do it.

Q:: What’s the best part of being an EMT?

NIXON: Just being there for people in their scariest moments. I’ve always worked with customers. I was in retail, and I always liked being helpful. But it never felt like it was enough. Whereas here in people’s most vulnerable moments, you’re there to help them, offer some comfort and do the best work you can for people in their most important moments.

Q: And the most challenging part?

NIXON: Sometimes the overnights are hard because it’s hard to get up. But once you’re up you’re ready to go.

Q: Would you recommend it to others?

NIXON: Definitely. It’s great experience if you want to go into the medical field. You get first-hand experience, and, honestly, you help change lives for the better.

Q: Is there anything unique about the KAA that drew you here?

NIXON: The school system is what gave me my strong academics and my love for medicine. I remember my anatomy class is what made me fall in love with the human body and how it works. And we are such a small town. Everybody knows each other. So it feels good that I can help give back to a community that helped raise me.

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.

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.

BACKGROUND: Rob Clark is a practicing psychologist who grew up on a small New England town and has lived in Killingworth since 1995. He became an EMT with the Killingworth Ambulance Association in 2001.

Q: Why did you like about being an EMT?

CLARK: Connecting emotionally with our patients is an important part of our work and my professional training helps with that. What matters most to me is that I am supporting our community.

Q: I understand you and your wife have similar backgrounds.

CLARK: She is also a psychologist and also great up in a small New England town. Since 1995, we are very happy to be back in another small New England town.

Q: What advice would you give others considering becoming an EMT?

CLARK: I don’t like to give advice, but, if I did it would be: If you like a challenge, then this is a great one.

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.