Since joining LifeCare Ambulance in 2021, Julianna Votava has distinguished herself through clinical excellence, compassionate patient care, and a commitment to developing those around her. She began her career with LifeCare as an EMT before earning her Paramedic license and being promoted to Senior Paramedic in 2023. Her passion for mentoring new employees and supporting her colleagues led to her promotion to Field Training Officer in 2025.

As one of LifeCare’s most involved Field Training Officers, Julianna plays an important role in developing monthly training topics and helping ensure compliance with required protocols and procedures. She is passionate about helping her colleagues strengthen their skills and become confident, prepared providers. Her compassion extends beyond patients to her fellow first responders. Never one to shy away from difficult calls or situations, Julianna makes herself available to colleagues who need to talk or decompress after a challenging incident.

Julianna’s skill and leadership were put to the test following a large-scale tornado in Union City, Michigan, in the spring of 2026. Julianna and EMT Andrew Ragain were dispatched to what was initially reported as a single-home collapse. As the first ambulance to arrive, they quickly discovered that an entire neighborhood had been directly in the storm’s path and was devastated.

Recognizing the magnitude of the incident, Julianna and Andrew immediately requested an escalated response, established scene command, and set up triage. They began search-and-rescue efforts, assessed the number and severity of patients, coordinated triage, and helped organize patient transportation. Julianna and Andrew remained on scene alongside other responders until County Emergency Management established command, helping ensure that patients were appropriately treated and transported. Their calm, decisive actions helped bring order to an extraordinarily chaotic scene and contributed to the best possible outcome under difficult circumstances.

Outside of work, Julianna enjoys spending time with her husband, Carter, who is also a Paramedic at LifeCare. She is active in her church and currently serves on its worship team.

Julianna’s dedication, compassion, and willingness to lead when others need her most make her an outstanding clinician, mentor, and colleague. LifeCare Ambulance is proud to recognize Julianna Votava as a Star of Life.