Her Story
About Janet
Janet Adams serves as Paramedic Operations Manager at Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (Greenwich EMS), a private not-for-profit organization operating under contract with the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut. With a career in emergency medical services dating back to 1988, Adams brings nearly four decades of frontline and leadership experience to her role. She became a certified paramedic in 1993 after completing her paramedicine education at Norwalk Community College and later earned an Associate of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2017. Since joining Greenwich EMS in 1997, she has progressed through roles including Paramedic Supervisor, Driving Instructor, and Alternate Manager before assuming her current position in 2019.
In her role as Operations Manager, Adams oversees critical operational functions, including fleet readiness, equipment procurement, vehicle certification and inspections, large-scale event management, shift operations, and employee and community engagement. She is particularly passionate about field training and community relations and has played an important role in developing and implementing driver training procedures for new employees and volunteers. Her training philosophy emphasizes mastering the fundamentals, understanding one's service area and equipment, managing emergency scenes effectively, and developing the confidence and judgment necessary to provide high-quality patient care. Throughout her career, Adams has also been recognized with multiple Call of the Year honors and a Paramedic of the Year award.
Adams attributes her success to an exceptionally strong work ethic, consistency, personal accountability, and a commitment to the community she serves. Integrity, honesty, compassion, and empathy guide her approach to both her professional responsibilities and personal life. She recognizes that EMS can be physically demanding, particularly as professionals advance in age, and believes in maintaining personal resilience and well-being while continuing to contribute the experience and knowledge gained throughout a long career. As a woman who has built her career in a traditionally male-dominated field, Adams encourages aspiring women in EMS to develop resilience, stand up for themselves, use adversity as motivation, and lead by example. Her nearly 30 years with Greenwich EMS reflect a lasting dedication to emergency medical services, professional mentorship, and the community she proudly serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Janet
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to showing up consistently and giving my best every day. I have worked in some capacity since I was young and, throughout my career, have experienced very little time away from the workforce. I take pride in being dependable, contributing to the organizations I serve, and being actively involved in the communities where I work and live. Building meaningful relationships, serving others, and remaining committed to my responsibilities have been central to my professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to recognize that every workplace comes with its own challenges, pressures, and consequences. No job is perfect, so it is important to remain adaptable, keep challenges in perspective, and focus on finding solutions rather than becoming discouraged. I also believe in being willing to do the work myself, including the difficult or less glamorous tasks, because leading by example builds credibility, earns respect, and ultimately contributes to long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering my industry to develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience, particularly because it remains a male-dominated field. Do not take criticism or negative comments personally; instead, use them as motivation to grow stronger and prove your capabilities through your work. Stand up for yourself, know your worth, and never be afraid to make your voice heard. Most importantly, take ownership of your responsibilities, remain self-reliant, and be willing to carry your own weight while earning respect through your professionalism, determination, and results.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the physical demands of the work, particularly as professionals get older. For women, maintaining the strength, stamina, and overall well-being needed to perform physically demanding responsibilities can become increasingly challenging over time. I believe this also creates an opportunity to prioritize health, fitness, resilience, and sustainable work practices so experienced professionals can continue contributing their knowledge and expertise while taking care of themselves.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, compassion, and empathy are the values that guide me in both my professional and personal life. I believe in treating others with respect, being truthful and accountable in everything I do, and approaching people and situations with understanding and compassion. These principles shape how I work, how I build relationships, and how I strive to make a positive impact in every aspect of my life.
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