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Board Member: Becky Smudde

Date postedJuly 1, 2026
Board Highlights,
Background & Inspiration

Becky Smudde's path into EMS started where a lot of great things do: with someone seeing a need and deciding to do something about it. She was already a volunteer firefighter when she recognized that EMS needed more people. So she stepped up.

But her motivation ran deeper than just filling a gap. Having navigated difficult medical experiences since childhood, Becky wanted to make sure others didn't have to face those moments alone. "Seeing how much an EMS provider can help someone in what could be one of their worst days" was what drew her in and has kept her there for more than two decades. Her biggest supporter from the start? Her mom, who gave her the extra push she needed to join.

There's one more thing worth knowing about Becky's start in EMS: she was terrified of ambulances and would not go near one. Getting in wasn't easy when she first became an EMR, but she forced herself to face the fear head-on.

  
Career Path

Becky started at the EMR level and ten years later decided to upgrade to EMT. She also became a Traffic Incident Management Instructor and has pursued several trainings in peer support and mental health care for public safety members. Continuing education in EMS remains an ongoing priority for her.

She's also watched the field evolve in meaningful ways over the years. 

"There have been many good advancements within EMS. The different levels of EMS practitioners are now allowed to perform more advanced skills, which in my opinion has been an improvement on patient outcomes."  — Becky Smudde

On the WEMSA board, Becky has been part of the education, membership, and advocacy committees.

  
Getting Involved with WEMSA

What excites Becky most about being part of WEMSA is seeing what's possible when the whole community comes together around a shared goal. "I have seen the positive changes firsthand and how hard everyone involved worked to make the changes happen," she says. "The support that WEMSA does to help all involved with EMS is incredible. The staff, board of directors, members, vendors, sponsors of events, outside professional help, the list goes on, all come together with a goal: to make EMS better in Wisconsin. WEMSA puts all parts together to make this happen."

Her favorite WEMSA event is the annual conference. "It brings EMS providers from all over together along with vendors new education ideas that people have not seen and/or used," she says. "Also it's a time we can all get together and not have to worry about going to a call. The events that go on are a way to wind down after a day of classes and just have fun."
  
Looking Ahead

Becky's vision for EMS in Wisconsin is rooted in growth and retention. "A vision I have for the future of EMS in Wisconsin is to keep growing and getting more people involved," she says. "With the resources being added for mental health help for EMS providers, my hope is that we can have more people stay with the profession of EMS, career and volunteer. There have been many positive advancements in the 20+ years I have been involved with public safety and we just need to keep moving forward."

A couple fun facts about Becky:
  1. She loves to go fishing, but she doesn't eat fish, and she won't take them off the hook. She will, however, put the worm on!
  2. She took tap dance classes as a kid and performed in a show.
  3. She has completed over 30 cross stitch pieces, the largest being a full rendering of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. She also collects pencils from around the world and has over 400 in her collection.
  4. Outside of EMS, Becky enjoys fishing, landscaping, caring for dogs, spending time on the water, and relaxing with family and friends.

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