‘I’m definitely not a quitter’: Kate Smith on EMS and obstacle racing as an amputee Better Every Shift

“I absolutely do have bad days. I just make sure I don’t let myself give up.” EMT Kate Smith, who began her public safety journey as a junior firefighter and EMS explorer at 14, before becoming a below-the-knee amputee at 16, shares how EMS helped reveal an inner strength that propelled her to where she is today – working to complete paramedic school, training for obstacle course races and inspiring others through her Adaptive Kate TikTok videos. Plus, we dig into all this:
The high school job shadow requirement that drove her love of public safety
How her work in EMS ultimately helped reveal the true reason she lost her leg – suspected Münchausen Syndrome by proxy
The impact of Spartan races on her mental health
Her thoughts on gratitude after trauma and overcoming obstacles to pursue your passions
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