Matthew McPherson

EMT Instructor

Matthew McPherson joined the team at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) in 2024 as an EMT Instructor, bringing nearly eight years of experience in emergency medical services.

Originally from Wilmington, North Carolina, Matthew has served as a paramedic with Novant Health New Hanover Emergency Medical Services in Wilmington and Mecklenburg EMS in Charlotte, NC. In addition to his fieldwork, he has spent the last three years instructing EMS courses at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, where he honed his teaching skills.

Matthew’s professional credentials include a North Carolina Paramedic certification and EMT Basic Level 1 Instructor certification. His background in both EMS and EMS education qualify Matthew to be a guide and mentor to future emergency healthcare service providers.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing. He and his wife have twin daughters, and he looks forward to teaching them to scuba dive one day, as he loves sharing his hobbies with his family.

Matthew credits his father as a key role model, teaching him to pursue happiness and be the man he aspires to be. When asked about a superpower, Matthew would choose the ability to breathe underwater, enabling him to explore the ocean — a fitting wish for someone who enjoys water-based adventures.