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Excellence in Emergency Medical Training

Gulfside Medical Training Institute stands out as the premier Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training center in Southwest Florida for numerous compelling reasons.

Firstly, the institute boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced instructors, each dedicated to providing top-notch education in emergency medical care. Their expertise not only ensures comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum but also fosters a supportive learning environment for students.

Secondly, the institute’s commitment to individualized attention and small class sizes ensures that each student receives personalized guidance and mentoring throughout their training journey.

Furthermore, GMTI’s strong connections with local healthcare providers and emergency services create excellent opportunities for hands-on clinical experiences and potential job placements for graduates. This integrated approach to education and practical training makes Gulfside Medical Training Institute the unparalleled choice for aspiring EMS professionals in Southwest Florida.

A vision for the future

GMTI Staff

Medical Director

Derrell Billington, D.O.

Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Derrell Billington is board certified, Florida licensed physician specializing in Osteopathic and Emergency Medicine. A seasoned physician with over 30 years of treating trauma, musculoskeletal conditions, and injuries caused by sports, work, and often motor vehicle accidents. Dr. Billington has acquired extensive training in Emergency Medicine and held instructorships in ACLS (advanced cardiac life support), BTLS (basic trauma life support) and PALS (pediatric advanced life support). In his medical career he has served professionally in various roles including; Chairman, Medical Director, and Executive Committee member at several hospitals in the Florida area. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors and Fellow of American College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Billington was also honored by his fellow peers and voted “Physician of the Year”, one of the most prestigious awards given in healthcare.

Clinical Director

David Posner, EMT-P, AHA Instructor

Southeastern Medical Academy
Level A/B Florida EMS instructor

David Posner began his career in September 1992 as an EMT for Staten Island University Hospital EMS (at that time, part if the NYC EMS system). After three years as an EMT, he enrolled in the paramedic program.

By October of 1996, David had finished his paramedic training through the prestigious Saint Vincents Institute of Emergency Care in New York City.  He continued working in Staten Island and Manhattan, and by 2001, David was a Paramedic Field Supervisor for Metro Care, covering parts of the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. During his tenure in New York, he assisted in such events as the 1993 and the 9/11 World Trade Center terrorist attacks.

In 2003, David moved to Florida where his experience led him to become a paramedic/field training officer with Lee County EMS.  By 2006, he moved to the fire service, where he continued his career as a firefighter/paramedic and acting engineer.

David accepted a position as a military contractor in 2010 and served as a paramedic in Mosul, Iraq for eight months.  He then returned to the fire department for 8 more years before retiring on January 1, 2019.

In 2018, while working as the clinical coordinator at a local training institution as part of  the EMT and paramedic programs, David met Pamela Fletcher, who, at the time, was an instructor for that same institution, and she later became the program director.  David and Pamela became fast friends and agreed that the EMS training industry could be improved.  After a lot of discussion and planning, Gulfside Medical Training Institute was born in 2020. After 18 months of hard work, Gulfside earned their full license in May of 2022.

Program Director

Pamela Fletcher, EMT-P, AHA Instructor

Nova Southeastern University
BS Health Science

Pamela Fletcher is a dedicated and experienced paramedic with a remarkable 30-year career of providing emergency medical care to those in need. With a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, Pamela has combined her academic foundation with practical expertise to make a significant impact on the field of emergency medicine.

Throughout her illustrious career, Pamela has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to saving lives and ensuring the well-being of her community. Her journey began over two decades ago when she embarked on the path of becoming a paramedic. Since then, she has tirelessly served in high-pressure environments, responding to a wide range of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to life-threatening situations. Pamela’s ability to remain composed and make critical decisions under intense pressure has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues, patients, and fellow healthcare professionals alike.

Pamela’s passion for healthcare and desire to enhance her skills led her to pursue higher education. She successfully earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences, deepening her understanding of medical concepts, patient care, and health systems management. This academic background has empowered Pamela to bridge the gap between theory and practice, applying evidence-based approaches to her paramedic work while contributing valuable insights to her team.

Pamela’s vast experience as a paramedic has allowed her to develop a keen intuition for assessing patient needs and administering swift, appropriate interventions. Her expertise extends beyond immediate medical care—she actively engages in training and mentoring new paramedics, sharing her wealth of knowledge, and fostering the growth of future healthcare professionals.

Pamela’s journey from a young aspirant to a seasoned veteran in the realm of paramedicine reflects her indomitable spirit, unwavering dedication, and lifelong commitment to saving lives. With a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences serving as the cornerstone of her expertise, Pamela continues to inspire her peers and the next generation of healthcare professionals through her exemplary service, leadership, education, and contributions to the field. Her legacy as a compassionate paramedic and health sciences advocate will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.

Lead EMT Instructor

Jesse Temperilli, EMT-P, AHA Instructor

Ave Maria University
BA Business Administration
 
Jesse Temperilli earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Ave Maria University in 2015, demonstrating early on his dedication to education and personal growth.
In the same year, Jesse pursued his passion for public service and emergency response by obtaining EMT and Firefighter certifications from Broward Fire Academy. His commitment to saving lives and serving his community led him to complete Paramedic school at Broward College in 2016, further enhancing his skills in emergency medical care.
 
Jesse's dedication to duty extended beyond his local community. He deployed overseas to Iraq as part of the Army National Guard in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. This experience showcased his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving others.
 
Returning to civilian life, Jesse was hired at Greater Naples Fire Rescue in 2016, where he has continued to make a significant impact through his role as a firefighter and paramedic. His dedication to the safety and well-being of his community is evident in his ongoing service with the department.

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View our Programs

Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your career in emergency medical services! Our diverse range of online programs is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in this life-saving profession. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to specialize, our courses are led by experienced instructors who bring real-world insights into the virtual classroom. Take the first step toward making a meaningful impact in the healthcare community. Click now to explore our programs and find the perfect fit for you!

It's all about you

Your Future Awaits...

Gulfside Medical Training Institute maintains strong connections with local hospitals, clinics, and emergency response agencies. This network of affiliations ensures that students have access to valuable clinical rotations and internship opportunities, enabling them to gain invaluable real-world experience and forge connections within the medical community.

Overall, Gulfside Medical Training Institute’s commitment to excellence, its distinguished faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and strong community partnerships make it the unrivaled choice for aspiring EMTs in Southwest Florida. By choosing Gulfside Medical Training Institute, students can be confident that they are receiving the highest quality education and preparing themselves for a rewarding career in emergency medicine.

Competence equals Confidence!

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