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.