Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
TWO OF A KIND
Friends Kristina Casey and Adrienne Patrick serve together at Ludwig’s Corner Fire Company
GLENMOORE » Friends can hold each other accountable on the fire ground.
Best friends for 10 years and volunteer EMTs for Ludwigs Corner Fire Company, in Glenmoore, Kristina Casey and Adrienne Patrick prove that “teamwork makes the dreamwork.” These two ladies, who call themselves “Thelma and Louise,” push each other to help save lives together with an unshakeable sense of humor. And they have already begun inspiring their children to do the same.
Casey is a mom of four children ranging in age from 12 to 16. She has been married for over 20 years to her husband, Scott. After graduating from Lehigh University in 1992, she took a corporate job until after the birth of their first child. Then she became a stay-athome mom and now works as a substitute teacher.
Patrick has been married for 31 years to her husband, Jeff. She is a mother of four kids ranging in age from 14 to 28. She graduated from Penn State University and currently works as a licensed private investigator.
The duo began volunteering together when Patrick’s husband and son, who are both volunteer EMTs, would run to a call at the drop of a hat. Patrick wanted to help too but she needed to join the firehouse and pass the necessary first aid courses first. She knew she could do it if Casey was by her side. The two have known each other for nearly 10 years through their children’s school functions and have remained very close.
“I took the courses and it was fun because I went through the training with my BFF Kristina Casey,” Patrick said.
Convincing her friend to train with her, though, took some effort initially.
“I don’t like blood or graphically gory things, so when Adrienne suggested taking a free CPR course a few years ago, I cringed,” Casey said. “She promised it was just CPR, so I went, we got certified and we had a great time. I didn’t think it was possible to laugh so much at a medical course.”
Today Casey and Patrick help teach future EMTs and consider themselves “a package deal” when it comes to responding to emergency calls. They said having a friend there with you can make volunteering fun and allows you to have someone you can lean on when times get tough.
“We understand that 911 calls can be scary and anxiety-ridden, but we became great at assessing the situation and incorporating the right amount of humor and compassion to put the patients at ease,” Casey said.
Their families have taken notice of their willingness to help others and that drive has begun to rub off. As the two were studying for the EMT exam, Casey’s 16-year-old daughter Emelie helped quiz them and soon became interested in the work as well. She too became a member of the fire company and passed her CPR and first aid courses, and has plans to become a first responder as well.
“She can go on runs with me this summer, and I look forward to sharing this ex-
perience with her, much like Adrienne does with her family,” Casey said. “I’m so proud that I’m setting such a positive example for my children by volunteering. Each one has said that they
can’t wait to become members at Ludwigs Corner Fire Company and help out our town. I’m always proud of my kids, but those words just make me burst with happiness.”
Editor’s note: As we celebrate Mother’s Day this year, the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association gives a special thank you to all moms who volunteer to keep Chester County lives safe and encourages more to do the same by learning about volunteer opportunities at www. helpfightfire.com