Claire Stockton grew up in the small town of Montgomery where she was taught how important it is to take care of other people, no matter the circumstances. She developed a sense of importance of community and teamwork through all the sports she did. Claire began to acknowledge her interests in the medical field when she became a Freshman at Montgomery High School. Prior to high school, Claire was not exposed to any of the opportunities that Montgomery EMS offers high school students. After discovering these community service opportunities, she began to do more research into how she would be able to volunteer with MEMS.
Claire completed the application process and got accepted into the cadet program just before the world was hit by a global pandemic. The EMT course, which is normally offered in the summer, was delayed until the start of September due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Because of this, Claire had to balance the 210 hour EMT course with the course load of her Junior year in high school and varsity soccer. While learning how to save other people’s lives, Claire also had to learn how to protect herself while helping others because of the pandemic. Claire was determined to complete the rigorous 3 month course to be able to give back to the community that has helped her in so many ways. She eventually passed her National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians test and became a certified NJ EMT. As COVID cases began to rise in Montgomery, the MEMS cadets were taken off the schedule due to their safety. Despite the setbacks of being taken off the schedule, Claire continued to pick up shifts to become comfortable working as an EMT.
Claire realized that there is more to being an EMT than just providing medical care to a patient, and that is also making sure the patient feels safe and comfortable when they are going through hard times. On each call that Claire is on, no matter the time of day, she is caring, sympathetic, and compassionate with every patient she meets. Claire is so thankful for everyone that she has met through joining Montgomery EMS. She refers to MEMS as her second family and will carry them with her through the rest of her life. This organization gave her an opportunity to do something that she loves while also having the best support system through everything. Claire looks forward to continuing her service to the community through the emergency services.
