Grit, Growth & Giving Grace: Paramedicine, PTSD, and Telling the Truth with Lesley Prosko

In this candid and franky, HILARIOUS episode of Sirens, Slammers and Service, Nikki sits down with Lesley Prosko—a paramedic of over 18 years, author, and IV therapy clinician—for an honest conversation about the realities of life in EMS, on and off the truck.

Lesley shares her path from athletic therapy to paramedicine, why maturity matters in this profession, and what the City of Edmonton EMS hiring process really demands. She opens up about repeat callers, the cumulative weight of the job, and the experiences that ultimately led to her PTSD diagnosis—with clarity, humour, and zero sugarcoating.

We also talk about her bold book Instagram Moms Are Full of Shit, her children’s book Mommy Why, and why kindness, respect, and mental health awareness are non-negotiables in first responder culture. Nikki and Lesley also make a strong case for mandatory observation shifts so candidates truly understand what they’re signing up for.

If you’re in EMS, thinking about it, or raising humans while surviving shift work—this episode will hit home.

Grab Lesley's books and learn more!! 

🎧 Check out other related episodes on the podcast and don’t forget to tune in to Nikki every Wednesday on the Thin Line Rock Station for more real talk from the front lines.

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.