While most teenagers spent last summer catching up on the latest TV shows or spending lazy days beside the pool, Free State senior Audrey Lamborn was taking summer classes about how to save lives.

“I always wanted to do something medical but the hospital scene never appealed to me,” Lamborn said. “Becoming a paramedic appealed to me because it allows you to do something different every day and directly help the community.”

Being a paramedic involves many sacrifices. Most first responders work 24-hour shifts on and off for about six days before taking a four-day break. They also are required to be ready for any situation.

In Jan. 2011, Lamborn began researching the career and classes that would allow her to graduate early and begin her career as a paramedic as soon as possible. She enrolled in a course at Johnson County Community College and took some summer classes.

“The classes I took involved lectures, labs and playing out different scenarios,” Lamborn said.

The training allowed Lamborn to do ride outs in an ambulance and observe first responders in the field.

“During one ride out, one of the patients died and I was surprised how calm I was when it happened,” Lamborn said.

In hopes to become a certified EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) by June 2012, Lamborn is graduating at the end of the first semester and moving in with her brother to be closer to JCCC. She plans on establishing her career in Lawrence and eventually moving somewhere else to continue her work as a paramedic.