Kaitlyn Freeman

Kaitlyn “Katie” Freeman is a Critical Care Paramedic with Medstar, serving communities throughout Genesee County, Michigan. With 12 years of EMS experience and an extensive background in hospital-based care, Katie has earned the trust of coworkers, patients, and families through her clinical knowledge, calm presence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Katie’s path to EMS began when a flight nurse she worked alongside recognized her aptitude in the emergency department and intensive care unit and encouraged her to pursue prehospital medicine. Her hospital experience has spanned emergency care, intensive care, obstetrics, surgical recovery, general medicine, and orthopedics, giving her an unusually broad clinical foundation. Throughout her career, she has held 17 different certifications and has continually sought opportunities to expand her knowledge.

Katie’s determination was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she worked full-time in both hospital care and EMS while simultaneously completing Paramedic school. Balancing frontline service in two demanding healthcare environments with the rigors of Paramedic education demonstrated the discipline and commitment to patient care that continue to define her career.

That depth of experience is evident on every call. Katie is known for remaining composed under pressure while quickly evaluating multiple aspects of a complex situation. Meticulous in her assessments and particularly skilled in cardiology, she continually studies emerging interventions, protocols, and treatment approaches. Her expertise has earned her the affectionate nickname “Cardiac Katie,” and colleagues regularly seek her guidance on cardiology, protocols, and challenging clinical situations.

Coming from a family of teachers, Katie also has a natural passion for education. She enjoys helping students and colleagues strengthen their knowledge and encourages those around her to continually improve. She hopes to build on that passion by becoming a Field Training Officer and completing instructor-coordinator training.

Perhaps the strongest testament to Katie’s abilities is the trust placed in her by fellow EMS professionals. She has repeatedly been called upon to care for colleagues and their family members during serious medical emergencies. Her partner credits Katie’s clinical judgment and decisive care with helping save the lives of two members of his family. Her willingness to help wherever she is needed has even extended beyond human patients: during a house fire, Katie assisted in rescuing three dogs.

Katie’s compassion has also been formally recognized. During her hospital service, she received a Starfish Award for the care and compassion she demonstrated to patients and was also named Employee of the Month.

Outside of medicine, Katie enjoys photography, gardening, camping in Pentwater, spending time with her dog, and helping friends and family. She is also an accomplished baker whose pies have earned first-place honors in competitions.

Through her clinical expertise, compassion, lifelong learning, and willingness to share her knowledge with others, Katie represents the qualities that strengthen both patient care and the EMS profession. Medstar is proud to recognize Kaitlyn “Katie” Freeman as an American Ambulance Association Star of Life.