Secretary: Adam Robarge
Background & Inspiration 
Adam Robarge's path into EMS started simply enough: he was looking for something to do to earn a little extra money. But it didn't take long for the work to mean something much more than that. His father had worked for the ambulance service when Adam was younger, and it had always sounded like an interesting career. That early exposure stuck with him, and when he got his start as an EMT-Basic with AED 25 years ago, he was in.
Career Path
Over the past 25 years, Adam has built an impressive career in EMS. He started as an EMT-Basic and has since become a Critical Care Transport Paramedic. Along the way he earned an associate's degree in emergency services administration and a bachelor's degree in emergency medical services administration — a commitment to the profession that has carried him into his current role as Deputy EMS Chief at Tomah Area Ambulance Service.
Getting Involved with WEMSA
For Adam, the mission of WEMSA is clear and personal. "The mission and vision of WEMSA is to serve those and be the voice of those who serve," he says. "WEMSA is a common voice for EMS agencies and providers across Wisconsin and advocates to make things better for EMS in the State of Wisconsin. It is hard to keep track of everything that is evolving in EMS both in education and legislatively. WEMSA does a great job of keeping track of these things and advocating for what is best."
Being part of WEMSA has also expanded Adam's world beyond his own agency. "The opportunity to meet and network with new people in the industry has broadened my EMS experience outside of my agency or my area," he says. "I have met and talked to providers across the state and had the opportunity to learn from them and see how changes affect their agencies as well as mine."
Passion & Advocacy
The work Adam is most proud of centers on advocacy. More specifically, being part of the effort to pass the PTSD bill for Wisconsin EMS providers. "My favorite part about being involved with WEMSA is the advocacy work we do to benefit all Wisconsin EMS providers," he says. "Being involved in advocacy related to the PTSD bill that was recently passed was a great experience. I remember when the PTSD bill covering law enforcement officers and career firefighters was passed and remembered feeling left out. We respond to and see the same traumas they see, but we were not included. I'm glad we could be a part of getting PTSD coverage for all Wisconsin EMS providers."
That advocacy work is also the most rewarding part of his time on the board. Talking to other providers and talking to legislators about why it was so important to include EMS in that legislation and provide coverage to all EMS providers.
Looking Ahead
Adam hopes to continue being an advocate for EMS in Wisconsin and working with the state legislature to provide more funding for EMS operations and training going into the future.
A little more about Adam
Outside of EMS, Adam and his wife run an online reselling business and are a Kansas City Barbeque Society backyard competition team. The online reselling business started as, in his own words, "a bad trip down a YouTube rabbit hole" and grew into a fun business. They got into competition barbeque as something competitive to do together, and in their first year, finished in the top third of all backyard teams in the country! Adam has won two local events and placed in the top 10 in three Kansas City Barbeque Society competitions.