Coach And Instructor Spotlight
Veteran Spotlight: Justin Gardiner
Veteran Justin Gardiner uses military experience to teach life-saving techniques through Stop the Bleed
✍️By ZRIntel Editorial Team📍National
Justin Gardiners service in the U.S. Army as an infantryman with the 173rd Airborne Brigade marked a pivotal moment in his life. While deployed to Afghanistan, he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and Purple Heart Medal for his service. But what truly set him apart during his time in combat wasnt just his combat prowessit was his dedication to saving lives. Having witnessed firsthand the critical importance of tactical casualty care, he became a passionate advocate for teaching others to recognize and stop life-threatening bleeding. Gardiners exposure to the life-saving tactics he learned during his military career became the foundation for his post-service work with the Stop the Bleed campaign. This initiative, designed to train civilians in basic trauma care, was born out of the need for immediate response to traumatic injuries. As a veteran, Gardiner understood that, in a life-or-death situation, the ability to act quickly could make all the difference. He knew that civilian bystanders, often the first to witness an emergency, could be the key to saving a life before professional medical help arrives. Drawing from his experiences in the Army, Gardiner has taught Stop the Bleed courses across various settings, focusing on giving everyday people the confidence to take immediate action in emergency situations. Through these courses, participants learn to stop major bleeding, apply tourniquets, and perform basic first aidall crucial skills in saving lives. Gardiners approach blends practical, hands-on learning with his military expertise, ensuring that his students leave feeling capable and prepared to handle a traumatic emergency. Beyond his work with Stop the Bleed, Gardiner has extended his reach to the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO), where he teaches both Active Violence Response and Officer Safety Courses. These courses, aimed at enhancing public safety and providing law enforcement personnel with the tools they need to respond effectively in violent situations, have made a lasting impact on his students and the communities they serve. Gardiners commitment to teaching and training hasnt gone unnoticed. He was awarded the first-ever Instructor of the Year Award by CACEO, a prestigious recognition for his exceptional work in promoting safety and life-saving skills. For Gardiner, the award wasnt just a personal honor; it represented his mission to continue making a difference in the lives of those he trains. His influence also extends beyond the classroom. Gardiner was featured on an episode of The College Tour, where he shared his journey from military service to becoming an instructor. He discussed how his military background shaped his approach to teaching and how his dedication to public safety continues to guide his work. As an adjunct professor, he not only imparts valuable skills to students but also helps foster the next generation of emergency responders. Every time I teach a class, I see the potential for a life to be saved, Gardiner says. His passion for teaching and commitment to helping others are clear in his every action. Whether its through his work with Stop the Bleed, his award-winning teaching at CACEO, or his role as a mentor to future emergency responders, Gardiners mission remains focused on one goal: empowering individuals to act when it matters most.