Building connections that go beyond the job

Alex Blackwood
Paramedic
Life Lion EMS and Critical Care Transport

Alex Blackwood was in college at Penn State Berks when she realized that she wanted to be the first person on the scene to help patients in emergency situations. Soon after she earned her emergency medical technician and paramedic certifications, then joined Life Lion as a third shift paramedic based at Ono Fire Company in Lebanon County.

“I’d always heard great things about Penn State Health, and being a Penn State Berks alum, I’ve always been involved with Penn State,” she says. “Life Lion has the reputation of being the best of the best. That’s where I wanted to be.”

In three short years, Alex’s team has become her extended family.

“First responders share a bond like no other. We’re a tight-knit group brought together by trust, teamwork and a calling to save lives,” she says. “Working at Penn State Health Life Lion has given me a career I’m proud of and lifelong friendships. It’s where I met my closest friends, and together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories and built a connection that goes beyond the job.”

It’s stories like these that drive our purpose.