Heather Ledbetter

Heather “Sunshine” Ledbetter serves as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer with Pafford Medical Services, where she is known for her positive attitude, compassion, and willingness to step in wherever she is needed. Whether caring for a patient, mentoring a colleague, or talking with children at a community event, Sunshine has a natural ability to connect with people and make them feel supported.

As a Field Training Officer, Sunshine helps prepare and mentor fellow EMS professionals while continuing to develop her own skills as an educator. She has earned instructor certifications in several courses and uses that training to educate members of Pafford Medical Services’ Southwest Arkansas Division. She readily shares her knowledge and approaches teaching with the same patience and encouragement she brings to patient care.

For Sunshine, caring for a patient means caring for the person behind the medical need. She has checked on patients after their care was complete simply to see how they were doing. When a local high school needed medical support so a medically fragile student could participate in an out-of-town band trip, Sunshine volunteered. She spent several days away from home so the student could experience the trip alongside classmates while providing reassurance to the student’s family and school.

Sunshine is also a familiar face throughout her community. She regularly participates in career days, holiday events, parades, and other community programs, especially enjoying opportunities to introduce children to EMS. Through these interactions, she helps the public better understand the work of EMS professionals while strengthening the relationship between Pafford Medical Services and the communities it serves.

Her colleagues know Sunshine as someone who puts the team first. She is quick to recognize the contributions of others and rarely seeks individual credit, preferring to celebrate what the group has accomplished together. Even on difficult days, she brings a friendly smile, an encouraging word, and a little extra “Sunshine” to those around her.

Through her patient care, mentorship, education, and community service, Sunshine demonstrates how compassion and positivity can strengthen both an EMS team and the community it serves. Pafford Medical Services is proud to recognize Heather Ledbetter as a Star of Life.