As a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and current Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Emergency Medical Technology student, service has always been a way of life for Tre Tystad. Having served six years on active duty and two years in the inactive reserve, Tystad is now channeling that same dedication and discipline into emergency medicine.
Tystad’s desire to serve began long before boot camp. Growing up in California, Tystad shared that 9/11, the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City, changed the course of his life forever.
“When 9/11 happened, it was the same day parents were visiting our class to talk about their careers. We were scared kids who didn’t understand what was going on, but two parents in particular – a Marine and a fire fighter – kept us calm and made us feel safe,” Tystad recalled, adding ‘safe’ was not something he always felt as a child before he was adopted. “I told myself that day I wanted to be like them, someone who could make others feel safe no matter what.”
He achieved the first half of that goal through his military service; today, he’s pursuing the second by studying Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at PVCC, a field that allows him to combine compassion, skill, and the instinct to lead under pressure.
After leaving the military, Tystad continued his mission of helping others by working for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, where he still serves today. “I wanted to be there for people in their hardest moments,” he said. “It’s given me valuable experience in helping people through crises, something that’s just as important in EMS.”
Tystad learned about PVCC’s highly regarded Emergency Medical Technology and Paramedic programs after visiting a Scottsdale fire station. “They told me PVCC had one of the best EMT and Paramedic programs around, challenging but incredibly rewarding,” he said. “After speaking with PVCC’s Veteran Services office and the instructors, I knew this was where I wanted to be. The instructors go above and beyond to help us succeed, even giving up personal time to help us study.”
PVCC’s EMT program prepares both new and seasoned professionals for success in the field through rigorous, hands-on instruction taught by experienced fire and emergency medical service (EMS) professionals. The program emphasizes patient care, medical knowledge, and the technical skills needed to perform under pressure from airway management and CPR to advanced cardiac life support.
The Paramedic Education Program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP), ensuring that graduates meet the highest national standards. PVCC’s EMS programs boast one of the highest certification success rates in Arizona, preparing students for careers with fire departments, ambulance services, hospitals, and aeromedical units.
Leadership Through Service
Tystad’s impact at PVCC has not gone unnoticed. His instructor Mike Gaffney describes him as one of the most inspiring students he’s ever taught.
“In all my years of teaching, few students have made a greater impression on me than Tre,” said Gaffney. “He shows up early every day, always ready to learn, and even when faced with personal adversity, he never lets it affect his attitude or performance. His resilience and professionalism are truly admirable.”
Beyond his own studies, Tystad has taken on a leadership role among his classmates. On his own initiative, he formed a weekly study group that meets both on campus and at his home, often late into the night. He’s even managed to reach students who previously declined tutoring, helping them build confidence and camaraderie.
“Tre embodies the values of teamwork, service, and integrity that define this profession,” Gaffney added. “He’s created the kind of family atmosphere I always strive for in class, and he’s taken it to an entirely new level.”
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, but Tystad has approached it with the same courage that defined his time in uniform.
“Transitioning is tough,” he admitted. “You go from following orders and being surrounded by people who share your goals to figuring it out on your own. It’s easy to feel lost. My advice to other veterans is to take a breath, have a plan, and reach out if you’re struggling. We may not wear the uniform anymore, but we’ll always represent our country and our service.”
Tystad says the lessons he learned in the Marines continue to guide him – stay focused, ask for help, never quit, and keep moving forward one step at a time. “Your biggest obstacle is yourself,” he said. “If you can overcome that, nothing can hold you back.”
Tystad hopes to join the fire service after completing his training and eventually rise to the rank of Battalion Chief. Long term, he hopes to teach in EMT, paramedic, or fire academy programs.
“I want to help keep the integrity, history, and honor of what it means to be a first responder alive,” he said. “And I want to pass that on to the next generation, the same way my mentors did for me.”
To learn more about PVCC’s EMT, Fire Science, and Paramedic program, visit the website.