FDNY EMT Ashley Diaz road to recovery

FDNY EMT Ashley Diaz is a 5-year veteran for the FDNY, as well as, a mother to her four-year-old son. On September 15th, 2022, she was the victim of a senseless act. While off-duty she was walking to her car parked outside of her home and was struck by an oncoming car. Ashley was smashed into her car door and fell to the ground, luckily she remained conscious. What she saw? Her leg mangled, blood pouring onto the street, teeth scattered, and her mother screaming. At this moment the odds were severely against her in terms of survival. With just minutes to live, this woman who had dedicated her life to serve others was at the mercy of the response and service of her peers. Due to the remarkable response of the NYPD and the FDNY EMTs she was being treated within 2 minutes. Even in this critical traumatic moment, Ashley remained conscious and leaned on her training, literally instructing the first responding officers of her needs in order to keep her alive. The most critical treatment being the proper application of a tourniquet. Her only concern was to live another day for her son.

The result was a week in a medically induced coma, an amputated right leg, missing teeth, multiple fractures, ongoing surgeries and numerous lacerations and abrasions across her face and body. Ashley was also informed that she can no longer work the field as an EMT. She was looking forward to starting her paramedic training in the near future, helping her to eventually accomplish her dream of being a RN.

Today even though she’s still remains hospitalized , Ashley is in good spirits. With the overwhelming support from family and friends she is able to remain positive about the situation. After countless surgeries, she will be a candidate for prosthetics and will be able to watch more Marvel movies with her son which they both enjoy so much. Though grateful to live another day, her previous operations, and future treatments have been costly. Unfortunately, this is the beginning of a long, strenuous journey. She has to undergo more surgeries, months of physical therapy to ambulate on a prosthetic, and adjust her home and lifestyle to handicap accessible.

FDNY EMT Diaz has served New York City for the past five years, solely Coney Island, Brooklyn; giving compassionate care to thousands of lives over the years. Outside of work, she is an even better friend, the best mother, loving daughter and sister. It would mean the world if you could donate to help her ease the burden of the financial deficit created by current and future medical expenses, a prosthetic, child care for her son, and retrofitting her home to fit her needs. Thank you for taking the time to read this message. Please cherish your loved ones each and everyday. ASHLEY STRONG!