Ever since the day zombies took over Marion L. Steele High School, Lauren Freeman knew she wanted to be an emergency medical technician (EMT) - paramedic. It was trauma day in the school’s Medical Health Technology program, which prepares juniors and seniors to pursue a degree in healthcare, and past students were dressed as zombies, distracting current students as they cared for those posing as patients.

The scenario was fun, but it was meant to mimic the chaos often found in real-life emergency situations that EMTs and paramedics rush into every day. Freeman learned one career-defining trait about herself that day. She could keep her cool, zombies and all.

“I feel so calm under pressure,” Freeman, 22, said. “And I have this passion for helping people and knowing what to do in these traumatic situations. You can walk into someone’s worst day of their life and you’re that calm presence for them.” 

During the Medical Health Technology program, Freeman took several College Credit Plus courses at Lorain County Community College. Right after her 2020 high school graduation, she applied for and was accepted into LCCC’s EMT program.  

But she didn’t go. The COVID-19 pandemic momentarily shook her healthcare-focused foundation. Instead, she spent two years at Cleveland State University studying mechanical engineering.  

Freeman did well in the program, but her time away from emergency healthcare made her realize emergency healthcare was, in fact, where she was meant to be. 

“The biggest thing I learned was that I didn’t want to do that,” Freeman said of mechanical engineering. “I still had that passion for being a paramedic and wanting to come to LCCC.”  

In 2022, Freeman enrolled in LCCC’s EMT program. It felt like home.  

“It was awesome starting the EMT program here,” she said. “I felt like I was finally doing something that I love, every day.” 

In the EMT program, Freeman became a skilled first responder, those who often are the first on the scene assessing a patient’s needs, giving immediate care, and transporting patients to medical facilities. After earning her short-term certificate, Freeman moved right into LCCC’s Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic program, which builds on the EMT certification and gives students an advanced level of knowledge and skills in emergency medicine. Freeman chose the full-time accelerated track that takes eight months to complete.  

“All of our classes were five weeks long, which is really hectic, especially when you put in ride time and clinicals, and specialty clinicals on top of that,” Freeman said.  

Her schedule was grueling at times, but worth it. And along the way, Freeman found all the support she needed in her instructors. She said they make this program special and its students successful. 

“The instructors are the biggest and best quality that LCCC has,” Freeman said. “They are so passionate about what they do, and I think that makes a huge difference. They’re willing to help you with anything, always.” 

Freeman said being part of the EMT – paramedic program has taught her just how much she can achieve. After graduating in May 2024, she plans to enroll in the paramedic to registered nurse program next. While she waits for the spring 2025 application time, she’ll start working in the field. Freeman has already accepted a position at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital as a paramedic in their emergency room, starting in June and after passing the state EMT exam. 

“I’ll do pretty much everything a paramedic would do in the field, but based out of the hospital,” Freeman said.  

It’s been a quick two years for Freeman, but she’s found her home in healthcare. And at LCCC. 

“LCCC has provided amazing opportunities for my educational growth,” she said.  

LCCC is the number one training location for first responders in Lorain County. Learn more about LCCC’s Emergency Medical Programs, including EMT and paramedic, at www.lorainccc.edu/paramedic.