Dakota Long, Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician

Dakota Long serves as an Emergency Medical Technician and instructor candidate with Bender Safety & Training Corporation. He brings a strong background in both EMS and fire service, along with a growing passion for education and rural emergency care.

Dakota has been involved in public safety for several years, beginning his service with the fire company nearly a decade ago. His early exposure to emergency response sparked a deeper interest in patient care, leading him to pursue EMS and become more directly involved in helping individuals during critical moments. He currently works part time as an EMT with Moshannon Valley EMS and volunteers as a firefighter and EMT with the Winburne Fire Company.

In addition to his EMT certification, Dakota is a Stop the Bleed, EVOC, and Firefighter I instructor and is actively working toward becoming a CPR and EMS instructor. He has also completed formal education methodology training, strengthening his ability to deliver effective, student focused instruction. His instructional interests include trauma care, neurological emergencies, and EMS operations. He focuses on helping students feel confident in applying their knowledge to real world situations, with the goal of shaping competent and successful providers.

Dakota’s decision to become an instructor was influenced by the mentors and educators who helped him develop his own skills. He is committed to passing that knowledge forward and supporting the next generation of EMS clinicians. He is particularly passionate about serving rural communities, where providers often face long transport times and must make rapid, high stakes decisions with limited resources.

Outside of EMS, Dakota works full time as an Office Supervisor with PennDOT. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, working ambulance shifts, and continuing his education to expand his fire and EMS background. He also plans to pursue post secondary education in Human Resources.

Dakota joined Bender Safety & Training Corporation because he believes in its mission to strengthen EMS education in rural Pennsylvania and wants to contribute his experience to help the organization grow. His personal motto reflects his approach to both teaching and service: “Believe you can, and you're halfway there.”

Matthew McBride, Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician

Matthew McBride serves as an EMT, paramedic student, firefighter, and instructor with Bender Safety & Training Corporation. With a decade of EMS experience and a strong background in both emergency response and education, he brings practical knowledge, commitment, and a passion for developing the next generation of providers.

Matthew is nationally registered as an EMT and is currently advancing his education as a paramedic student. In addition to his EMS background, he is also a firefighter and Basic Vehicle Rescue Technician. His instructor credentials include AHA CPR/BLS, Stop the Bleed, Firefighter I Instructor, allowing him to support a range of lifesaving education programs.

He has been teaching for about a year and is currently approved to teach AHA CPR/BLS and Stop the Bleed. Among the topics he teaches, Stop the Bleed stands out as one of his favorites. Matthew values education that gives students a stronger understanding of what they are learning and the confidence to apply those skills in ways that truly make a difference. His teaching style is hands on, and he enjoys demonstrating techniques in a practical, direct way that helps learners build real competence.

Matthew has served with Cameron County Ambulance Service, St. Marys Area Ambulance Service, and Emporium Volunteer Fire Department. His decision to become an instructor came from a desire to help teach the next generation and leave the profession better than he found it. That same mindset also inspired his work in EMS and public safety, rooted in a genuine desire to help others and make a meaningful impact through service.

Outside of work, Matthew notes that free time is rare while balancing the demands of paramedic school and public safety service. Even so, his strongest interest remains paramedicine and continuing to grow in the field. He also shared that he is a soon to be father and hopes to become a husband in the future, reflecting the personal values and sense of purpose he brings to both his professional and personal life.

Matthew chose to be part of Bender Safety & Training Corporation to help guide and teach the next generation of providers. He is especially connected to the mission of serving rural communities, describing it as deeply personal because it is the place where he was born and raised. His perspective reflects the importance of building strong local responders and educators who understand the unique needs of the communities they serve.

His personal motto captures that steady, service minded approach: “Don't Expect you're going to change the world, if you can make one change and have it stick thats what truly matters.”

Blaine Manginell, Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician

Blaine Manginell serves as an Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Management Coordinator for Cameron County, and instructor with Bender Safety & Training Corporation. With more than 16 years of experience in emergency medical services, Blaine brings extensive field knowledge, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to strengthening emergency care in rural communities.

Throughout his career, Blaine has developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural EMS providers, including extended response and transport times, limited resources, and the need for confident decision-making in high-pressure situations. His experience has shaped his passion for education and his dedication to helping build a stronger, more capable EMS workforce in the region.

As an instructor, Blaine teaches EMS continuing education and certificate programs, along with AHA CPR/BLS, American Red Cross Babysitter courses, and Stop the Bleed. He also holds Firefighter I Instructor credentials. Blaine is particularly interested in trauma care, behavioral health emergencies, and CPR education. He focuses on helping students gain practical knowledge and develop the confidence needed to apply their skills effectively during real emergencies.

Blaine has served with Cameron County Ambulance Service and currently plays a key leadership role as Cameron County Emergency Management Coordinator. His motivation to teach comes from a desire to give back to the profession and help shape the future of EMS by preparing competent providers who are ready to serve their communities.

Outside of public safety, Blaine values time spent with his foster children and extended family. He also enjoys relaxing with friends around a campfire. His teaching style is interactive and student-focused, encouraging participation, discussion, and hands-on learning rather than relying solely on lecture.

Blaine chose to be part of Bender Safety & Training Corporation because he believes in the organization’s mission to strengthen EMS and community education in rural Pennsylvania. He recognizes the importance of building local training opportunities so residents do not have to wait for assistance from distant services during emergencies.

His personal motto reflects his practical and determined outlook: “Everything is figureoutable.”

Theresa Root, Instructor
Paramedic

Theresa Root brings over 26 years of experience in emergency medical services to the classroom. She currently serves as a paramedic with Moshannon Valley EMS and has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, high-quality care in some of life’s most critical moments.

Theresa’s path into EMS was influenced early on, as both of her parents were paramedics. Growing up around the profession gave her a unique perspective and a strong foundation that naturally led her into the field. Over the years, her experience has shaped not only her clinical skills but also her understanding of the value of life and the importance of being present for patients during their most vulnerable times.

She is both an American Heart Association Instructor and a Pennsylvania Department of Health EMS Instructor, allowing her to bring a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to education. Theresa is passionate about mentoring the next generation of providers and takes pride in helping students build both confidence and competence in patient care.

Her advice to new EMS providers is simple but important: take your time, communicate with your patients, and never underestimate the value of touch and reassurance. She often describes patient care as solving a mystery, where listening and observation are just as important as clinical interventions.

Outside of work, Theresa enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and being outdoors. She also has a soft spot for cats. As a second-generation paramedic, she looks forward to continuing that legacy and is currently encouraging her children to become the third generation in EMS.

Tyler Thomas, Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician

Tyler Thomas serves as an Emergency Medical Technician and the Education Director for Moshannon Valley EMS. With several years of experience in EMS, he has become a strong advocate for education and workforce development, focusing on preparing the next generation of providers for success in the field.

Tyler has been a valuable asset to Bender Safety & Training Corporation, playing a key role in the development and structure of multiple training programs. His strength lies in logistics and program design, helping ensure courses run efficiently while maintaining a high standard of education for students.

In his role with Moshannon Valley EMS, Tyler directs a variety of educational initiatives and continues to expand opportunities for both new and current providers. He is known for his ability to break down complex concepts, as well as his storytelling, often sharing real-world experiences that help bring classroom material to life.

Tyler is passionate about EMS education and takes pride in building programs that support student growth, confidence, and long-term success in the profession.

Matthew Ott, Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician

Matthew Ott serves as an Emergency Medical Technician with Moshannon Valley EMS and is an active instructor committed to developing the next generation of EMS providers. He is both an American Heart Association Instructor and a Pennsylvania Department of Health EMS Instructor, bringing a strong educational foundation into the classroom.

Matt is a dedicated provider who has a genuine passion for the EMS field and for teaching those entering it. He focuses on creating a supportive learning environment where students can build confidence, ask questions, and develop the skills needed to succeed in real-world situations.

He is also committed to his own professional growth and is currently enrolled in college to further expand his knowledge and advance his career in EMS. Matt’s drive to continuously improve allows him to bring current, relevant perspectives into his teaching.