ABOUT US
Semper Pro Aliis
As our mottos states, Semper Pro Aliis or “Always For Others”, we strive as a unit and as individuals to consistently perform our duties at the highest levels on behalf of those in need. It is about the character to always show up and give everything you have for a complete stranger that may never be able to repay you. This is our pledge.
Civic mindedness
The actions, activities, or individuals that are motivated by or that show concern for the public good or humanity as a whole. Your communities are the lifeblood of society and deserves compassionate stewards. We thrive on this initiative and believe the greatest way to serve your community is to earn its trust.
Perpetual Student
Medicine is an evolving field that requires consistent attention to the ever-changing environment. Hubris is a mistake made most often by those who have never truly been tested.
We encourage our staff to continuously learn and grow, both as people and as clinicians, through humility and understanding.
We are about building competency in knowledge and skill and exercising the confidence to put it into action when lives are on the line is our underlying mission.
On The Pulse
We are accredited EMS educators with decades of combined experience in various areas of emergency medical care:
- Municipal & Specialty Fire Departments
- Urban 911 & CCT Services
- Flight Medicine
- Remote Wilderness Medicine
- Occupational Medicine
- Hospitals & Clinics
We believe in order to effectively educate new members to the field, one must stay abreast of changes in the field and hone the ability to think critically about the quality of training necessary to continue to prove the honorable field of emergency medical services.
AT GUARDIAN EMT, WE LIVE BY OUR MOTTO: SEMPER PRO ALIIS, OR “ALWAYS FOR OTHERS.” WE ARE DEDICATED TO PERFORMING OUR DUTIES AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL FOR THOSE IN NEED. IT’s ABOUT THE COURAGE TO SHOW UP AND GIVE EVERYTHING FOR A STRANGER WHO MAY NEVER BE ABLE TO REPAY YOU. THIS IS OUR PROMISE.
OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR STUDENTS IS ROOTED IN FOUR CORE PRINCIPLES THAT DEFINE WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE SERVE. WE BELIEVE STRONG LEADERSHIP SHAPES EXCELLENCE IN EMT TRAINING
Meet Our Team
Maria Barcena, B.S., EMT
Executive Director
With 12 years of EMT experience and 10 years as Assistant Director for California EMS programs, Maria has guided over 500 graduates to success. She holds a Bachelor’s in Biology from Holy Names University and is pursuing a Master’s in Education, with plans to earn her PA-C certification.
As a Utah-certified EMS instructor and NAEMSE-accredited educator, Maria has even contributed to developing NREMT exam questions. Her expertise and passion make her a trusted leader in EMS education.
J.T. Gamble, NRP
Assistant Director
JT, a U.S. Navy veteran and Flight Paramedic, has been serving in EMS since 2014.
With experience in Critical Care, Flight Medicine, Municipal and Specialty Fire Departments, Wilderness Medicine, and Occupational Health, JT is a Nationally Registered Paramedic credentialed in five states: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Passionate about teaching EMS education in Utah and advancing his expertise, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Applied Physics.
Benjamin D. Gold, d.O.
Medical Director
Benjamin D. Gold, D.O. combines military and medical expertise. After four years in the Army as a platoon leader and battalion-level executive officer, he graduated from medical school in 2006 and completed his emergency medicine residency in Detroit. With 18 years of experience, including teaching and leadership roles, he has practiced in the Pacific Northwest for the past 14 years. A board-certified physician, he has worked in various settings, from critical access hospitals to major trauma centers, committed
to delivering exceptional patient care.
