Former Monmouth University track and field student-athlete Domoah Kutu-Akoi '18 joined us for an update on her role as an EMT in North Carolina during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her experiences as a frontline worker among other things. Kutu-Akoi graduated MU in 2018 as a four-time MAAC indoor and four-time MAAC outdoor track and field champion with individual MAAC championship wins during her career in the 100 meter dash and as part of the 4x100 relay team.
After graduating from Monmouth, what was your first job?
After graduating Monmouth, my first job was working as a virtual medical scribe. I was looking for a healthcare-related job to start off with and I saw the position for a virtual medical scribe on Indeed. I remember thinking, "No way this is a thing; but it won't hurt to apply". And sure enough, I got a call back, went through training, received a desktop and headset, and became a virtual medical scribe. I loved the job because I got the opportunity to work remotely for several physicians and PA's helping to complete their charts during patient encounters in real-time. It showed me another profession that plays a huge part in the field of medicine. Also, I got to do all of this from the comfort of my own home!
How did you get into the current field you are in?
My mother is a registered nurse and she absolutely loves her job. I remember as a kid she'd come home and tell us about her day during dinner. While everyone else at the dinner table seemed to avoid the conversation to save their appetites, I found myself interested and wanting to hear more. So during middle school I volunteered at the hospital where my mother worked and fell more in love with the field. The science behind it interested me and the ability that healthcare workers have to make such a difference made me want to someday be able to do the same. I had a great example in front of me because I saw how passionate and dedicated my mother is. During undergrad I instantly knew that I wanted to study biology. I was undecided on what I wanted to do after college but I always knew that it would be something in the medical field.
When did you first develop interest in becoming an EMT and why?
I decided that I wanted to become a physician assistant (PA) during my senior year of college. Therefore I need to gain patient care experience prior to going to PA school. After doing my research and speaking with a PA, I felt that being a first responder is a great way to challenge myself while also being exposed to patient care in the emergency setting. I moved to North Carolina and obtained my state certification as an emergency medical technician after college. Shortly after, I began working in my county and I've been here for over a year now, which has been a great experience.
Where exactly are you stationed in North Carolina and what has the last month been like there in comparison to what you see from the rest of the country?
My agency responds to 911 medical calls in Union County, a county close to Charlotte, N.C. The beginning of this past month was very taxing on the EMS system, just as it has been throughout the U.S. We had to quickly adjust to the increased demand of our services that were needed to transport patients to and from hospitals while also doing what we could to help limit the spread. The number of cases continues to increase, however I am glad to say that North Carolina's numbers are on the lower side. My agency does a great job of making sure that we have enough personal protective equipment (PPE). Just like everyone else, we're prepared for the worst, but we also hope that we can flatten the curve before it gets any worse.
How did your career at Monmouth as a student-athlete, playing for Coach Compagni and the rest of his staff prepare you for your current role?
Being a part of Coach Joe's large track and field family that emphasized the importance of working together has made what I do now feel familiar in many aspects. I work alongside my paramedic partner and other first responders including firemen and policemen to give patients the best care possible. Competing at Monmouth over the years has helped me have poise in very stressful situations, adaptability, and tenacity. Competition days could be the most chaotic yet the most rewarding for a student athlete. My event coaches, Coach Brian Hirshblond and Coach Devin Barry did a great job teaching me the importance of my role on a large team. I was a short sprinter and a long jumper and both of my coaches helped me specialize in my events and become the athlete that I was so that I could contribute to the team. Although track and field has a variety of events, I was coached to know that if I focused on what I was able to do, it made a difference to the team effort. It was more than just physical training, Monmouth track and field taught me how to deal with challenges as well. My coaches reminded me that everyday counted and that the hard work that I put into sports, school and life would eventually pay off. This has prepared me for my current job because in critical situations I'm able to trust my training and do what I can within my scope of practice to help a team of medical providers. Just like competition, this job could be the most chaotic yet the most rewarding. I use the same mindset I had on the track to do the best that I can as an EMT. I'm thankful for the experiences that Monmouth track and field gave me because I would not be the person that I am today without them.
What are some of the challenges you are facing right now as an EMT in light of the recent events surrounding COVID-19?
In addition to the typical emergencies that we respond to such as cardiac arrests, strokes, traumas, or even the less severe calls, COVID-19 changes the way that we interact with each patient. Before a patient encounter, I have to put on a surgical mask or an N95 mask, and sometimes more protective equipment depending on the nature of the call and whether or not there is a confirmed case. And for the patients who have not been tested but show symptoms, I still have to take all precautions. It's difficult to have to tell a worried family member that they can't be by their loved one's side due to visitation restrictions that had to be put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in hospitals. The challenging part is just not knowing. Because this virus is so new, our protocols constantly change to ensure we're doing everything we can to protect the patient. I want to continue to help keep our community safe while also staying safe myself.
What are some things going on in your side of the world as a first responder that the general public may not have considered during this pandemic?
As first responders, we can't stay 6 feet away from our patients, or even stay 6 feet away from one another inside the ambulance. I've had to have discussions with my family to come up with a plan for the worst case scenario. It was important to have the conversation and be prepared because of the amount of close patient contact I may possibly have for extended periods of time. It's a very scary reality. However I never want to show fear in front of patients because they call us when they're most vulnerable and look to us to be the stronger ones in the situation. In spite of this, all of us continue to show up for work and stay positive.
Do you have any advice for people in terms of following CDC guidelines, staying inside, etc. during this time based on what you have been through?
Please please please continue to stay home if you can help it, practice social distancing, and wash your hands or sanitize them frequently! This virus is new to all of us but the effects of it are very apparent around the world. I personally know survivors of the virus and some who have not survived. What keeps me sane is prayer and the prayers and support from others. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, even if it's connecting over the phone or through video chat. I am grateful to everyone who reaches out to show their appreciation and to check on those of us working the frontline. And a huge thank you to everyone else on the frontline! know that we will get through this!
