For Marco Gutierres, a career in emergency medicine wasn’t part of the plan—at least not at first.
Finding Direction in the Midst of the Pandemic
After high school, Gutierres intended to pursue culinary arts and had already begun taking classes when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the program he hoped to attend. With culinary school on hold, he needed a new path.
Encouraged by his mother, who works in emergency medical services (EMS), Gutierres decided to try something entirely different: an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic course.
“My mom told me I should give it a shot,” Gutierres said. “At the time, I figured I would just do it until culinary school opened back up.”
Falling in Love with EMS
Once he completed the EMT course and began working in EMS, Gutierres’ perspective quickly changed. “I ended up falling in love with it,” he said. “I realized this was something I really enjoyed doing.”
His passion grew as he gained hands-on experience. “I’ve always been the kind of person who likes to do things to the fullest,” Gutierres explained. “If I was going to do EMS, I wanted to go all the way and become a paramedic.”
This decision led him to the San Juan College (SJC) paramedic program, a rigorous course of study designed to prepare students for careers in advanced emergency medicine. His mother had also completed the program, and her experience helped guide him.
“After her first semester, she told me how good the program was,” Gutierres said. “That really helped me decide to apply there too.”
During his time in the paramedic program, Gutierres gained critical hands-on experience during his internship at San Juan Regional Medical Center. “That’s where everything you learn in class becomes real,” he said, reflecting on the value of practical, real-world training.
A Life-Changing Experience in the Field
Early in his EMS career, Gutierres had a defining moment that confirmed his choice. While on his first shift with Cuba EMS, ironically riding with his mom, he responded to a heart attack call. With the nearest hospital nearly two hours away, the crew called in a medical helicopter. Gutierres drove the ambulance to the landing zone, witnessing life-saving care unfold in real time.
“I remember thinking that was the coolest thing I had ever seen,” he said. “That was the moment I knew I wanted to do that someday.”
Looking Ahead
As he graduates this spring, Gutierres plans to continue working in EMS while pursuing his goal of becoming a flight medic. “That call stuck with me,” he said. “Someday I’d like to be the one stepping off that helicopter.”
While his focus is firmly on emergency medicine, he admits that some days he still thinks about owning a food truck, an idea that reflects his creative side and reminds him to keep a sense of balance as he builds his career.
Gutierres’ journey demonstrates the importance of adaptability, mentorship and hands-on learning in shaping a rewarding career in emergency medicine.
Start Your Career in Emergency Medical Services
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an EMT or paramedic, SJC offers programs that combine classroom instruction with real-world experience. Learn how to develop life-saving skills and make a difference in your community.
Explore San Juan College’s EMS and Paramedic programs today and take the first step toward a career in emergency medicine.
