A Paramedic Dream
July 27, 2026
Mia Regalado's journey with Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) began with a desire to advance her healthcare career and pursue her passion for emergency medicine. With this goal in mind, she joined the EMS Trainee Program, taking the next step towards becoming a paramedic and serving her community.
Mia’s passion for emergency medicine is also rooted in a personal experience. After being involved in a serious car accident, she gained a deeper appreciation for the care, compassion, and support provided by the first responders who arrived on the scene. That experience inspired her to pursue a career where she could provide the same level of care and reassurance to others during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She is also carrying on the dream of her late sister, who had hoped to pursue a career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Mia completed the accelerated Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic program through Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC), balancing in-person classes twice a week with long shifts and nearly 500 clinical hour. While the program only required 165 hours each semester, she sought out every opportunity to gain additional experience.
"The EMS Trainee Program in Winnebago gave me exposure I needed to see what paramedics really do," Regalado said. "I jumped at every opportunity to help because every role matters. Whether you're driving, assisting your partner, or caring for a patient, everyone plays a part in getting that person safely where they need to be. Those experiences shaped me into the paramedic I am today."
Today, Mia works 24-hour shifts, responding to emergencies throughout Winnebago and providing mutual aid to surrounding communities when additional EMS support is needed. She is licensed to practice in both Nebraska and Iowa and is now one of four EMS paramedics serving WCHS.
In just 15 months, she accomplished something many aspiring paramedics spend years working towards - earning her paramedic certification.
Although she has reached an important milestone, this is just beginning. She plans to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, pursue a Critical Care EMS certification, and one day work on a medical helicopter caring for critically ill and injured patients.
"The road to becoming a paramedic wasn’t easy. It meant long days, losing sleep, and missing out on personal events while balancing school, clinicals, and work, but every sacrifice was worth it in the end," said Regalado.
For WCHS, Mia's story is a reflection of what can happen if you have determination and dedication. Through the EMS trainee program, local individuals are able to help gain real-world experience, learn alongside other paramedics, and build careers in Winnebago.