Mayo Clinic Ambulance in Austin / Albert Lea, Minnesota, is proud to name Lane Coffman, paramedic, as a 2023 Star of Life. Lane began his career in EMS as an EMT in 2014, achieving his paramedic status in 2018. Lane has worked as a paramedic and field training officer for Mayo Clinic Ambulance in 2019.

One coworker says that Lane continually goes above and beyond what would normally be expected. His role as an FTO has allowed Lane to demonstrate his leadership qualities while instilling confidence and trust in new paramedics and EMTs. Lane is known to regularly come to work, fully prepared, to make meals for his coworkers while being conscious of dietary needs of each of them. Lane takes pride in his work and pride in the company he works for. “Every day, when I come to work, I strive to make lives better, my coworkers and my patients,” Lane says. “If I can make someone smile, ease the anxiety of my patients, then I believe I have ‘won’ the day.”

“Stewardship is a badge Lane wears on his uniform every day,” says Paul Drucker, Senior Director of Mayo Clinic Ambulance. “His service to his coworkers and to his community fulfill our mission as an organization; he truly represents the Mayo Clinic Values.” “Lane exemplifies what being a paramedic is all about. He not only treats every patient he encounters with care and compassion, but he is also a great partner and FTO,” Jamie Stephenson, operations supervisor says. “His positive attitude is contagious; I cannot think of any one more deserving of this award.”

When he isn’t working, Lane hiking, camping, time outdoors. Lane continues to volunteer for another ambulance service when he can find the time.

Of his job as a paramedic and field training officer, Lane says, “This is the favorite part of my job. It is my honor to work with new employees and to teach them, not only our company standards, but also to help them in their development as care providers in the EMS industry.”