Long before she was born, EMT Lindsay Martin’s father, Paramedic Ken Martin, set out on a professional path that would one day inspire her own. Her middle name was even chosen in tribute to a child who tragically died in a car accident.
Ken Martin, also the assistant director of operations at NDP (Northern Dutchess Paramedics) EMS, was on the scene and worked tirelessly to save the toddler. Although the child, Paige, didn’t survive, Ken memorialized her by giving Lindsay the middle name Paige.
Lindsay also credits her mother, Shannon Martin, with having had a major influence on her life.
“She is like my superhero,” Lindsay Martin said. “She was a really big inspiration and pushed me to get where I am today. She still continues to support me despite our busy yet opposite schedules. We have a great relationship, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her.”
It was clear early on that Lindsay Martin was destined to continue the legacy of service to others.
“I always loved it when I’d chat with my dad, and he’d tell me his stories ‘from the EMS road.’ And his mom — my grandma, who used to be a nurse — says that about me, too. I think she sees that I’ve always felt called to help people, whatever the situation. Looking back, it is clear that this was going to be my path,” she said.
Her interest in EMS was strong even as a child.
“When I was about 7, my friends were probably reading other books — but I went through the pages of EMS protocol manuals and brochures that my dad would leave around. I loved learning about all of it — even as an elementary school kid! And when I was 10, I talked about going into the military as a way of being of service,” she recalled. “By age 11 or 12, I discovered that I had been named for that little girl from one of my dad’s emergency calls. That was really moving and inspiring for me.”
She added that in middle and high school if she saw anyone bullied, she would reach out and try to help.
“I’d do what I could to reach out, protect them, and do my part to offer friendship in an ongoing way.”
She grew up in the Hudson area and went through her school years there. Right before her graduation from Hudson High School in 2023, she was hired at NDP EMS after earning her EMT designation through Questar in Hudson. NDP became part of Empress in October 2025.
Lindsay said her diverse schedule and close relationships with her colleagues make the work especially fulfilling.
“I work out of the Rhinebeck, Hyde Park, and Livingston stations, and I also do dispatch two nights a week. I love the schedule; I love how varied the days are in terms of responsibilities, and I love the people. The relationships I have with my coworkers are the best part. Every night, there’s a different crew on, and it always feels family-oriented (which it is — not only does my dad work there, but so does my aunt). If I have a tough call, everyone is so supportive afterward. Whether my colleagues are helping me restock the truck or just there to have my back, I feel like I have this incredible group of friends behind me always.”
She says she also particularly enjoys the scenery between Rhinebeck and Hyde Park, and appreciates the volunteer fire departments in those towns who are also on the scene to help, creating a strong team to handle emergencies.
Looking ahead, she plans to become trained as a paramedic at SUNY Cobleskill.
“This will advance my knowledge and scope of practice while also supporting the growing need for people who have this expertise. And I plan to continue to use everything I learn as part of this team for many years to come.”
She encourages any young person interested in the field to get involved.
“It’s a great career — especially if you have a desire to help people. Even if you decide just to work part-time or per diem, which some people do, you can make big differences in your community while working with a team that always feels like family.”
She says that in her free time, she goes out of her way to get rest.
“I prioritize sleep health where I can. And I’m guessing most people who work in EMS totally get that!”
