At just 24 years old, Dominic Lombardo has already spent nearly a decade in emergency medical services. As a paramedic and clinical coordinator at Muhlenberg Area Ambulance Association, Lombardo not only responds to life-threatening emergencies across northern Berks County—he also trains the next generation of first responders.
“I provide advanced life support care to sick and injured people who call for our help,” he said. “And as clinical coordinator, I help run our training center. We teach CPR, EMT classes, and emergency responder courses. It’s a mix of being out in the field and helping others start their journey.”
Lombardo’s own journey began at 16, when a ride-along with an ambulance crew sparked an unexpected passion. He originally envisioned joining the military after college, but the experience changed his path. He quickly earned his EMT certification and, by 19, had become a licensed paramedic.
“I thought EMT would just get me through college,” he recalled. “But I ended up loving the work and wanted to keep going. It became more than a stepping stone—it became my career.”
Though relatively young, Lombardo has already experienced some of the profession’s unique challenges. One of the biggest early on, he said, was earning the trust of both patients and colleagues.
“Being young, I had to work harder for people to respect me,” he explained. “There were times I’d walk into a home, and someone would ask, ‘Are you even old enough to take care of me?’ You learn quickly to prove yourself through your work.”
That work includes long shifts—typically 18 hours at a time—rotating with two days off. Lombardo’s days start before dawn and often include a mix of emergency calls, equipment checks, station duties, and training responsibilities. On quieter days, the team cooks meals together and unwinds like a family. But the pace can change in an instant.
“There’s no such thing as a typical day in EMS,” he said. “Some days we’re out the door at 6 a.m. and stay busy until midnight. Other days, it’s quiet until the evening. You always have to be ready.”
As an instructor, Lombardo plays a crucial role in helping new EMT students get the experience they need to graduate. He oversees clinical ride-alongs, schedules training placements, and ensures students gain enough patient interactions before completing their certification.
Outside of work, he’s a seafood enthusiast and an occasional golfer—though free time can be scarce. “We work a lot,” he said with a laugh, “but I try to spend time with family and close friends when I can.”
Lombardo’s message to the public is simple: EMS is more than just a ride to the hospital. It’s often the beginning of a patient’s care.
“When we show up, we can do EKGs, give medications, start IVs—right there in your driveway,” he said. “Sometimes we’re sitting still for a reason. We’re doing vitals, talking to the patient, stabilizing them. That’s part of the job.”
He encourages community members to engage with EMS crews at township events like Spring Fiesta and RiverFest at Jim Dietrich Park—not just during emergencies.
“Come say hi. We’re there to keep people safe, but we also want to build relationships,” he said. “We want to be seen as part of the community—not just someone you see on your worst day.”
For those curious about a career in EMS, Lombardo’s advice is clear: do a ride-along.
“If you even think this might be for you, reach out to your local ambulance. We do ride-alongs all the time. No experience needed—just a desire to help people.”
Muhlenberg Area Ambulance Association offers multiple ways to support its mission, including annual memberships that help fund operations and training initiatives. Community members can also reach out to request educational tours or inquire about volunteering.
For more information about training opportunities or ride-alongs, contact the training center at training@muhlems.org or call (610) 929-5774.
