Excellence Through Education
Quality EMS Education in the Heart of the Florida Keys
(321) 341-8721
With well over 30 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Gandia and Bill McGrath, the two original owners, recognized a need for EMS Education in the Florida Keys. Their partnership with Marathon Fire Rescue has provided a much-needed source of training to the providers in the Keys. All classes are taught by working EMS Professionals and led by Capt. Joe Forcine of Marathon Fire Rescue.
In 2024, The Rescue Company 1 and Carlos Tavarez purchased Southeastern Medical Academy. Southeastern Medical Academy is now operated by Carlos Tavarez and The Rescue Company 1, continuing the legacy established by Dr. Gandia and Bill McGrath, and expanding upon the mission to provide high-quality EMS education throughout the Florida Keys.
Antonio Gandia MD, FACEP
Capt. Joe Forcine EMT-P
Lead Educator
Founder
Bill McGrath MPS, NREMT-P
Founder
Carlos Tavarez
BSN FAOM CFRN CEN CTRN TCRN CPEN NREMT-P FP-C CCP-C TP-C CP-C DICO-C WP-C LNC
Program Director/Owner
Carlos Tavarez is a motivational speaker, seminar leader, and nurse consultant with over 20 years of paramedic experience, and 14 years of nursing experience. Carlos obtained his degree in nursing from Excelsior College and BSN from Columbia College. He also received his certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant from The University of Central Florida. Carlos works as a flight nurse with the Orlando Health “Air Care Flight Team.” Carlos retired after 20 years with the Orlando Fire Department. He now works as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Lake Mary Fire Department. He stays clinically active as a bedside nurse by working in the Orlando Regional emergency department. Carlos is the Medical Manager and Medical Specialist for the Central Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4 as well as the Owner/CEO, Primary Educator and Seminar Leader for The Rescue Company 1 LLC.
Amanda Rivera
Chief Administration Officer
Student Services Coordinator
Dr. Frederick ‘Todd’ Yonteck serves as the Medical Director for Southeastern Medical Academy, bringing over two decades of emergency medicine experience and leadership. A graduate of the University of South Florida College of Medicine and board-certified in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Yonteck completed his residency at Wake Forest University. He currently holds several leadership roles within AdventHealth West Division, including EMS/Critical Care, Flight, and MIH Medical Director. A seasoned physician, educator, and flight medical director, Dr. Yonteck's commitment to excellence shapes the future of prehospital care and emergency medical education.
Dr. Frederick ‘Todd’ Yonteck
Medical Director
EMS Educator/School Dean
Cory Richter NREMT-P FP-C CCP-C
EMS Educators
Robbie Tester RN EMT-P FP-C CFRN
