Basking Ridge Teen Named EMT Cadet Captain

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge's Claire King has always had a passion for helping others. Now her rigorous training and commitment to aiding others are being rewarded as she was recently 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," said King, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung. "The rescue squad was a great opportunity to meet new people, help my community, and get experience in the medical field."

King was nominated by other cadets and selected by the cadet committee.

To become a nationally certified EMT, King 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.

Once fully certified, King was able to lead calls, be the first person to contact the patient and the one to sit next to them during the entire ride to the hospital.

When asked about why she would recommend experiencing work as an EMT, King said, "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," King said.

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