MONROE, CT — Monroe’s emergency medical service volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, from their ages to their occupations. The Monroe Sun will run profiles to introduce you to a few during National EMS Week.
Rachel Murphy, 42, who lives in Fairfield with her son, Ryan, 15, had lived in Monroe for a short time. She has been an EMT/driver for the Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service for over 18 years.
When she’s not volunteering, Murphy works as a grant manager for philanthropic organizations as she has done for 15 years.
Why did you join the MVEMS?
Murphy: I had a co-worker who talked me into taking the EMR class. I got here and just fell in love with it. That class ended and I went right into the EMT class and joined here in 2003.
What do you like most about being an EMS member?
Murphy: I like the people that I work with. Everyone comes from different walks of life, but at the same time we have this in common. Everyone is really interesting and fun to work with. I work with some of the same people I’ve been working with since 2003, so it’s like a second family.
Something about taking that class felt right to me. I like the camaraderie, the constant learning. I love learning new things and EMS gives me that opportunity. There’s always new classes and continued medical education credits.
You meet people from different agencies at the EMS Expo at Foxwoods, where you share knowledge, take classes on topics you’re just learning about, and vendors show different things like new stretchers and ambulances. It’s really cool.
What would you say to someone interested in becoming a member of the EMS?
Murphy: I would encourage anybody who thinks they might want to do this to check it out. You might be surprised about the strength inside you.
Interested in becoming an MVEMS member? Send an email to [email protected].
