PRESS RELEASE
ORANGE BEACH, Ala. 鈥� Ashley Heintjes, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, never planned to become a paramedic, but sometimes a person鈥檚 calling finds them regardless of plans. About 12 years ago, the New York City Fire Department rescue paramedic had to adjust her life for a sick parent and that adjustment, led to her being chosen as (CSU) 2025 Outstanding EMS Professional of the Year.
As a leader in public safety education, CSU established the Outstanding EMS Professional of the Year Award to recognize students and graduates serving in the EMS field for their commitment to saving lives, professionalism and their accomplishments in the field. Each year, the award is bestowed upon a new winner during National EMS Week (May 18-24).
鈥淲hen my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I needed to adjust my life to make sure I could get her to her treatments. The community college I was attending at the time was offering an emergency medical technician class in the evenings. I initially thought of it as a bridge semester, but I immediately fell in love with the profession and haven鈥檛 looked back,鈥� explained Heintjes.
Indeed, her love for her job, empathy and desire to help others was repeated in her multiple nominations for the EMS Professional of the Year Award. 鈥淥f the many things I鈥檝e learned and pass along to my intern paramedics this may be the most important: empathy, compassion and advocacy are universal. They transcend language, religion, race, sex, gender, culture and creed. Meeting your patient on the most basic level of one human being caring for another lays the foundation for their care experience,鈥� she said.
Speaking of interns, Heintjes said sharing with the 鈥渘ext generation of prehospital clinicians may be my absolute favorite part (of my job). Watching a less experienced member gain confidence in a skill or a solidified understanding of a concept that may have been giving them hesitation is so incredibly rewarding. I鈥檓 always seeking to be the mentor I needed when I was in their position,鈥� she said.
Heintjes added that she was humble and appreciative of the award for Outstanding EMS Professional. 鈥淭o be honest, I have found myself at the mercy of imposter syndrome before wondering if I was really making a difference or contributing to our field, like many other members of the EMS community. For this reason, to have been nominated for this award by my peers is truly its own reward. I would not be the paramedic I am today without the guidance and support of my family, mentors and partners.鈥�
About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education, CSU was established to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees such as emergency medical services administration, emergency management, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.