“You walk into a scene and it feels like a movie — the severity, the silence, the weight of what happened.”

Amanda Walker recalls one of the most haunting calls of her career — a domestic violence-related double murder-suicide. Although she and her partner didn’t respond initially, they were tasked with transporting the victims to the medical examiner’s office. The gravity of that scene left a lasting impression on Amanda. It’s the kind of call that stays with you, marking the line between professional duty and personal impact.

From “I Could Never” to EMT: Amanda’s Unexpected Journey

“One incident changed everything — I went from ‘I could never do that’ to being bitten by the EMS bug.”

Amanda’s path into emergency medical services started unexpectedly. Once convinced she could never work on an ambulance, a chance encounter at a car accident with friends working as EMTs opened her eyes to the field. From there, she pursued certification through a combination of hands-on and classroom training, learning the ropes with experienced partners before heading out on her own. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the toughest challenges lead to the most rewarding careers.

The Reality of EMS in Rural West Virginia

“It’s a tough job with staffing challenges, long drives, and constant uncertainty — but people still show up because they care.”

Working as an EMT in rural West Virginia, Amanda highlights the unique difficulties faced by ambulance services. Staffing shortages and vast service areas can stretch resources thin. Some days bring a quiet routine; others, relentless calls that demand every ounce of skill and resilience. Whether it’s navigating dangerous scenes, working with dispatchers, or competing with other services for coverage, the commitment of EMTs like Amanda shines through.

If you want to dive deeper into Amanda Walker’s experiences and learn more about the world of emergency medical technicians in West Virginia, be sure to watch the full episode of Creepalachia below.