Three Generations of Care: A Family’s Legacy in EMS

In a quiet corner of Sullivan, Indiana, where cornfields stretch wide and time still slows down in the evenings, there lives a family bound not only by love—but by service.

Michelle and Darren Stanley have been married for more than three decades, and for nearly as long, they’ve devoted their lives to answering emergency calls in their community. They are paramedics and EMTs, yes—but more than that, they are mentors, parents, and role models, living examples of what it means to care for others when it matters most.

Their daughter, Bryanna Lamanske, grew up watching them rush off to emergencies, train new recruits, and comfort strangers on what were often the worst days of their lives. Now, she rides in those same ambulances too, working as an EMT alongside her husband, Jonathan Lamanske—a seasoned paramedic himself. Together, they form a four-member EMS powerhouse at Daviess Community Hospital (DCH), where the concept of "family care" takes on a beautifully literal meaning.

A Calling Passed Down Through Generations

Michelle Stanley still remembers the moment that changed everything. She was in Walmart when a woman screamed for help—her baby wasn’t breathing. Without hesitation, Michelle performed CPR until the fire department arrived. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be a paramedic,” she said. She later earned her associate degree in paramedic science from Ivy Tech in 2005 and never looked back.

Darren Stanley’s path began with the fire service. After joining his local volunteer fire department, he quickly realized the power of being able to help people through emergency medicine and transitioned to the EMT track in 2003.

Together, they raised three children with the values of compassion, resilience, and purpose. Bryanna, the middle child, took those values to heart.

“As a kid, I idolized them,” she said. “They were volunteer firefighters and EMTs, and I have so many memories playing at the firehouse, watching them jump into action. That really shaped who I am.”

She became an EMT in 2013 after completing her training at Ivy Tech, making her a third-generation EMT following not only in her parents’ footsteps—but also in her grandmother’s. Michelle’s mother, Kandra Borders, became an EMT in 2004 and still serves today. “We even went to paramedic school together,” Michelle said. “She is my rock.”

A Family That Works—and Heals—Together

Bryanna and her husband, Jonathan, met through EMS. A paramedic with 17 years of experience, Jonathan has served as a flight medic, a 911 responder in both urban and rural communities, a fire medic, and a supervisor. “He saw a volunteer firefighter sign one day and joined on the spot,” Bryanna laughed. “That was the start of it all.”

The couple now has four children: Sophia (9), Gavin (7), Logan (5), and Hayden (2.5). While none have voiced an interest in EMS yet, Bryanna jokes that their oldest wants to run a bakery and their seven-year-old is fascinated with the Titanic and solar systems. “If they ever chose EMS,” she said, “we’d encourage medical school, but we’d be proud to work alongside them too.”

Working as a family has its benefits. “When we’re on a call together, we don’t even have to speak. We just know what the other is thinking,” Michelle said. Whether they’re responding to traumatic incidents or celebrating a successful outcome, the shared understanding between them runs deep.

“It’s comforting to know we’re never alone in the hard moments,” Bryanna said. “When I had the hardest call of my life, my husband was right there. We talked. We processed it together. That’s something not everyone has.”

Rooted in Community, Driven by Purpose

Each member of the Stanley-Lamanske family came to Daviess Community Hospital about three years ago after their previous employer closed. Bryanna was at the end of her pregnancy, and Jonathan took a position at DCH first. Soon, Michelle and Darren followed.

“It was the best decision we ever made,” said Michelle. “The people, the support, the teamwork—it all just feels right here.”

Michelle and Darren work on the same shift and sometimes on the same truck. Bryanna and Jonathan work the same shift too, occasionally teaming up on more complex emergency scenes.

Outside of work, the support doesn’t stop. “After a long shift or tough call, we make breakfast, put on a pot of coffee, and just talk,” Darren said. “That’s how we get through it together.”

Advice From the Heart of a Family That Knows

For those considering a career in EMS—especially as a family tradition—the Stanleys and Lamanskes offer heartfelt advice:

“This job is rewarding, but it’s not easy,” Michelle said. “You’ll see things that stay with you. But if you have people beside you who understand it, who’ve lived it—it makes all the difference.”

“Not everyone gets to say they do something that changes lives,” Bryanna added. “Sometimes it’s helping someone survive. Other times, it’s just holding a scared patient’s hand and letting them know they’re not alone. Either way, we’re making a difference. Every day.”

At Daviess Community Hospital, their story is a reminder that healthcare is more than a service—it’s a commitment. It’s personal. It’s people you know. It’s healthcare you trust.

About Daviess Community Hospital

Daviess Community Hospital (DCH) stands as a beacon of health and wellness in southwestern Indiana. Serving the region with one 48-bed hospital, seven specialty clinics, and eight outpatient clinics, DCH is dedicated to providing top-tier medical care. Nestled in Washington, Indiana, this not-for-profit health system is one of the area’s largest private employers, boasting a team of over 620 passionate professionals. DCH is unwavering in its mission to improving the health of the people of the communities it serves not only by delivering excellent medical care, but also ensuring accessibility, promoting healthy living, and collaborating with local agencies to address community health needs. As an affiliate of Ascension St. Vincent, DCH is committed to being the healthcare provider of choice, continuously striving for excellence and innovation. Discover more about DCH’s services and commitment to health at dchosp.org.