Just a few short years ago Scott Youmans was working in lawn care with no medical experience. He heard about a new program through IU Health LifeLine that trains people to be EMTs and paramedics. LifeLine created the two programs as the nation faces a critical shortage of EMS professionals.

A few months after graduating from the EMT program, Scott learned he wanted to advance his career even further to become a paramedic. “Being a paramedic is not easy. The schooling is not easy. It’s just hours upon hours of living on an ambulance more than you’re at home,” said Youmans. “There were definitely rollercoasters, days where I didn’t know if I was going to make it to graduation, but now that I’m here I’m very proud. I’m proud of myself and my fellow classmates.”