Tyler Bender’s journey into emergency services and education began long before his first uniform. Born in Arizona, Tyler spent the early part of his life in foster care due to his mother's struggles with substance abuse. At the age of six, he was welcomed into a beautiful, loving family in rural Pennsylvania, where he was raised on a small farm, deeply involved in 4-H, FFA, and the rich values of hard work and community.

As a child, Tyler dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. However, one life-changing moment at a county fair shifted his path: after witnessing an EMS crew fight to save a young boy in cardiac arrest, he realized his true calling — to serve people in their greatest moments of need.

Tyler began pursuing healthcare early through his local Career and Technology Center, aiming originally for nursing school. In 2018, he enrolled in his first EMT program but did not complete it, admitting with humility he was “young and dumb.” Instead of giving up, he refocused, returned stronger, and successfully became a Nationally Registered Paramedic under the mentorship of his first EMS instructor and lifelong supporter, Mark Schaut.

Tyler started his EMS career at Jefferson County EMS and soon after began working for Elk County EMS in March 2020. Alongside his medical work, he also served as Vice President for a volunteer animal rescue, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to helping others — both people and animals.

In 2019, Tyler became a CPR Instructor through the American Red Cross, setting the stage for his future in public education. In 2020, he was accepted into Paramedic School at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). However, life threw a major challenge his way: Tyler began battling a seizure disorder, in 2018. On July 7, 2020, he suffered a seizure while driving to visit his now-fiancé (soon-to-be husband) and was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. He was airlifted to a Level 2 Trauma Center in Erie, PA, and faced a long, difficult road of rehabilitation — relearning to walk and rebuilding strength in his legs.

Despite the setback, Tyler’s resilience never wavered. By 2021, he returned to light-duty EMS work. Supported by his mentor Mark Schaut, Tyler rebuilt his career at Elk County EMS, gaining confidence and knowledge every step of the way.

In 2022, Mark encouraged Tyler to take another bold leap: move 2.5 hours from home to attend one of Pennsylvania’s most intensive paramedic schools, the Center for Emergency Medicine in Pittsburgh. Tyler worked full-time for Fayette EMS and Travelled home frequently to work for Elk County EMS while commuting 45 minutes daily into Pittsburgh for eleven months to complete his education.

During this demanding program, Tyler faced another seizure in April 2023, losing his driver’s license at a critical moment. But he wasn’t alone. Close friends — Barb, Stacy, their little one Keagan, and his classmate Anesha — rallied around him, driving him to every class, clinical rotation, and exam.

While many individuals contributed to Tyler’s growth and education over the years, the support network during paramedic school was broader than can ever be fully listed. Tyler remains deeply grateful for all those - friends, mentors, family, and classmates - who stood beside him through every challenge.

With their support, Tyler successfully graduated from paramedic school in June 2024 and passed the National Registry Exam soon after.

Recognizing the overwhelming financial and personal challenges faced by EMS students, Tyler launched the Tyler Bender EMS Scholarship Fund through the Elk County Community Foundation. His goal: to eliminate financial barriers for others pursuing the path to becoming lifesavers.

Today, Tyler is a multi-certified instructor, proudly teaching:

• CPR/AED through the American Heart Association (AHA)

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

• Babysitting Certification through the American Red Cross
  
  

He also holds a Pennsylvania Department of Health EMS Instructor certification, earned in 2022 after completing the CCAC Methodology of Instruction course in Pittsburgh.

While mentors like Mark Schaut supported the early stages of Tyler’s EMS journey, Tyler’s path and passion have continued independently. His mission today is built on personal experience, professional growth, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others through education. 

Through every class, every lecture, and every training session, Tyler’s mission remains crystal clear:

“Everyone can save a life. Because when seconds count, training makes the difference.”

Tyler’s life is living proof of resilience, compassion, and the belief that anyone — no matter their background — can rise to meet the moment and save lives.