Scott French is a junior here at UNH. He is a Medical Laboratory Sciences major, and is very involved on campus. He is a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and holds the position of Internal Vice President of the Interfraternity Council. Something a bit different about this student, however, is that between hours of studying in the library and his commitments to Greek life, he is also busy saving lives as an EMT, volunteering 32 hours each month at Durham’s McGregor Memorial EMS. I asked him a few questions about his involvement.
What made you choose to become an EMT?
My dentist acted as a mentor to me while I was in high school. He suggested that i try an EMT course when I told him I was going to be pre-med as an undergrad. Also my grandma was an EMT for a long time. I really enjoyed the class so I joined McGregor when I got to UNH.
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What is your typical work schedule like?
I work a minimum of 32 hours each month, and up to as many as I want. Sometimes I do 16 hr shifts, sometimes 32 hours in one weekend, other times a 4 hr shift on a weekday. It is all volunteer so anyone that works there can do as many hours and shifts as they want.Â
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How do you manage balancing being an EMT with your schoolwork and other commitments?
There is a lot of down time at the station where I try to get work done. Also many of the other student EMTs have similar classes and are able to help me with work.
What is your favorite aspect of being an EMT?
My favorite aspect is the patients that we treat…we meet some very interesting characters. I also like that people trust you, the EMT, in probably the most dire time of their lives. The feeling of making some one comfortable, calm, and hopefully better can’t be beat. I also get to meet many people that most people students do not. I have met every Durham firefighter and most of the UNH/Durham police.
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What is your favorite or most memorable experience as an EMT thus far?
My most memorable experiences where definitely my firsts: my first trauma, my first code, my first car crash, etc. I can’t explain the calls because of HIPPA laws, but those are moments I will never forget.