Chris vanBrenk

NC Level I, Paramedic EMT Instructor

Born and raised in Sacramento, Calif., Chris vanBrenk is an emergency medical services (EMS) instructor here at NCOAE, where he oversees emergency room clinical rotations for our EMS students at several hospitals.

In addition, Chris teaches students treatment skills, assessment techniques, and medical knowledge that is consistent with an EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician-Basic) or AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician). And he loves training future outdoor emergency professionals, reminding his students that no one calls 911 on a good day. As a provider in the field, Chris says medical rescue personnel have a unique position to remain unforgettable in someone’s life forever.

Prior to joining NCOAE, Chris served in the United States Army for nearly a decade. He served as an infantry platoon leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in 2011, completed his training to become a Special Forces Operational Detachment Commander of a 12-person Special Forces team. Chris served in this capability in both Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Resolute Support as well as in North Africa as a member of a special activities’ unit.

He is currently a member of the South Orange Rescue Squad’s Technical Rescue Team in the Carrboro Chapel Hill area of Orange County, N.C., which provides specialized SAR (Search and Rescue), High Angle Rescue, and Swift Water Rescue teams in support of current state operational needs.

In his free time, Chris enjoys CrossFit, yoga, jiu jitsu, mountain biking and rock climbing.