Board Member: Ashley Carothers
Background & Inspiration 
Ashley Carothers has been in EMS since 2018. She has always been a helper, and she knew her community needed help, so she stepped up.
The person who inspired her is her sister. Her sister was born with transposition of the great arteries and required a lot of help with her health care. That experience was the beginning of Ashley's passion for helping others, and since then, that passion has only grown.
Her most memorable moment from her early days in EMS was her first call involving CPR and achieving ROSC. She found it hard to believe that the hands that did the work were able to make such a profound difference in someone's story.
Career Path
Over the years, Ashley's EMS journey has included life saves, teaching compression-only CPR via the Red Cross, and advocating for EMS through WEMSA. She holds certifications as an EMR and BLS Instructor.
She first became involved with WEMSA in 2015 because of the CPR in Schools Bill. "I knew I wanted more and better for the State of Wisconsin and the State of EMS," she says. On the WEMSA board she has served as a Board Member and as Advocacy Committee Chair.
Getting Involved with WEMSA
Being part of WEMSA has helped Ashley grow as a leader, as an advocate, and as an EMS provider. The most rewarding part of serving on the board has been having the opportunity to support EMS providers and students. "It has also been good to see the legislative change to support EMS for a more positive future."
Her favorite WEMSA event is Student Day because it gives future hopeful EMS providers an insight into the skills and encourages them to join the profession.
Looking Ahead
During her time on the WEMSA board, Ashley hopes to accomplish increased advocacy efforts, stronger student engagement, and continuing support for EMS providers across Wisconsin.
Her vision for the future of EMS in Wisconsin is "a stronger, more supported workforce where providers have the resources, education and recognition to continue serving their communities. And world peace."
A couple fun facts about Becky:
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She is originally from Alabama.
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She works for the best baseball team in the Northwoods League, the Eau Claire Express.
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She graduated from CVTC with 3 degrees in 3 years: Office Assistant, Administrative Professional, and Medical Assistant.
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Outside of EMS, Ashley is passionate about baseball, community outreach, and traveling. Her most memorable vacation was taking her sister to Disneyland. "It is amazing to watch my loved ones' faces light up when they see the castle or their favorite characters."