Claire King '22 Named EMT Cadet Captain

Rigorous training and a commitment to aiding others in their time of need recently led Claire King '22 to be named a Cadet Captain of the Berkeley Heights EMS.

 

“I have always been interested in helping people and I have a deep concern for those around me,” she said. “The rescue squad was a great opportunity to meet new people, help my community, and get experience in the medical field.”

 

To become a nationally certified EMT, Claire completed the NREMT (National Registry Emergency Medical Technicians) exam and a six-week course leading up to it.

 

“The course involved learning how to operate equipment, studying anatomy, and practicing patient interaction,” she said. "After being certified, I was able to lead the calls, being the first person to contact the patient and the one to sit next to them the whole ride to the hospital.”

 

For her Cadet Captain distinction, Claire was nominated by other cadets and selected by the cadet committee.

“That meant interviewing potential incoming cadets, organizing and leading monthly trainings among cadets, and presenting at the monthly business meetings with the entire rescue squad,” she explained.

 

One of Claire’s most memorable experiences as an EMT did not happen on call.

 

“I was volunteering at a town event when a man came up to me. He said he recognized me from the Trunk or Treat Halloween event a few months earlier. He had noticed how I had stayed out in the cold for many hours at both events for the sake of the community and he was proud of me for it. That was when I realized that I am making an impact on everyone around me, not just the patients I treat on calls,” she shared.

 

While Claire isn’t sure if she would like to pursue a career in the medical field, she knows that she would like to make a difference in the lives of children.

 

“I have taught children martial arts for about five years and currently have a job at Mathnasium Learning Center tutoring children in mathematics,” she said. “I always have a great time working with children because I like to listen to all they have to say and try to relate to them.”

 

When asked about why she would recommend experiencing work as an EMT, Claire shared, “This experience has been so rewarding in so many ways. It was certainly scary in the beginning, jumping into high stakes situations with lots of emotions involved, but you grow close to your team and build a trust so you can feel confident in these situations. I have made such strong bonds with my crewmates in the two years I have been on the rescue squad that I feel like I could go to them for anything.”

 

“And while it’s not for everyone, if you’re like me and love to help those around you, it’s a great community to look into at any age,” she said.