Danielle Pettry, Lead Instructor

Danielle Pettry, PhD is the owner of Fight-or-Flight Emergency Medical Educators and the EMT Lead Instructor. Born and raised in West Virginia, she moved to Bozeman, Montana in 2011 to pursue her PhD in Mathematics Education at Montana State University. She began her career in emergency medicine as a professional ski patroller at Timberline Four Seasons Resort (now Timberline Mountain) in West Virginia in 2009, and after ski patrolling 5 years at Big Sky Resort and 7 years at Montana Snowbowl, is now a patroller at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area. Danielle started Fight-or-Flight in 2017, and continues to teach 10+ EMT classes, as well as dozens of CPR and First Aid trainings, each year. When she is not teaching or ski patrolling, Danielle enjoys fly fishing, camping, and everything outdoors.

Matthew Schaeffer, Assistant Lead Instructor

Matthew Schaeffer is the Assistant Lead Instructor at Fight-or-Flight Emergency Medical Educators. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, he moved to Missoula at a young age and spent most of his formative years in Montana. After graduating from Sentinel High School, Matt attended Montana State University, earning a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. However, feeling unfulfilled by the industry's prospects, he turned his attention to medicine—a field that had always fascinated him. From 2017 to 2020, he worked for a medical device company in Bozeman but found himself wanting a more hands-on role in patient care. This led him to pursue his EMT license, which, serendipitously, is how he first crossed paths with Fight-or-Flight. Since earning his credentialing in 2020, Matt has worked as an EMT in the Emergency Department at St. Patrick’s Hospital. In 2021, he began assisting Danielle in the classroom as a Skills Instructor, and by 2025, moved into his current role as Assistant Lead Instructor. Outside of work, Matt is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, photography, and just about any adventure Montana has to offer.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about upcoming EMT courses, EMT Recertification, CPR/AED/First Aid Training, etc., feel free to send an e-mail or call/text Danielle!

E-mail: Danielle@FightOrFlightEME.com

Phone: (304) 543-6208

Physical Classroom Address:
210 N Higgins Ave B111
Missoula, MT

Go through the doors between Doc's Sandwich Shop and Mood Boutique, past the elevator and down the stairs, and the classroom is at the end of the hall. If you see our sign out on the sidewalk, we are likely in the classroom. To meet in person, it is best to set up an appointment.

Mailing Address:
Fight-or-Flight Emergency Medical Educators
PO Box 215
Missoula, MT 59806

Brenda Amorim

20:36 08 Sep 24

I highly recommend this course to anyone in Montana, especially for out-of-state individuals. I was looking for a quick and effective way to obtain my EMT license, and the 8-week course was ideal for anyone in a time crunch. Although the workload was heavy, the time flew by, and just a week after completing the course, I passed my NREMT and obtained my license. Danielle is an amazing instructor—she is very understanding, ensures you are ready for test day with the one week of in-person training, and makes learning fun and digestible. She was also incredibly helpful after I finished the course, assisting me with transferring my certification back to my state.

Elsa Westenfelder

22:22 26 Aug 24

I took Fight-or-Flight's online EMT course and cannot recommend it enough. The online option provided great flexibility and Danielle's videos, quizzes, and guided notes workbook were extremely well thought out. Danielle is not only incredibly knowledgeable, she is also a great teacher. I felt very prepared for the final exam as well as the cognitive and practical portions of the NREMT. One of my favorite parts of this course was the mock clinical during the in-person skills week, where we got the opportunity to put together what we had learned in a constructive environment. If you are looking to get your EMT online or in-person, I would most definitely recommend Fight-Or-Flight.

Candy Hartman

23:24 14 Jul 24

Very knowledgeable

Gary

18:37 05 Jul 24

Very professional and brought much experience to the training. Highly recommended.

Ramon Luis Medina

18:09 19 May 24

Consider Fight or Flight EMT Educators if you're looking for an online and in-person EMS course and standout instructors. Fight or Flight EMT Educators is an excellent choice for an online EMS course. Fight or Flight EMT Educators provide top-notch online and in-person EMT training that combines a blend of interactive, self-paced learning with live instructor sessions—known for their high pass rates, comprehensive curriculum, and the ability to simulate real-life EMS scenarios for practical knowledge.Danielle Petry has been widely praised for his exceptional teaching methods, deep understanding of the EMS field, and dedication to student success. The entire instructional team consists of experienced EMTs who ensure students receive the best education and support possible.Students appreciate the training's real-world applicability and the instructor's ability to make complex concepts understandable. The flexibility of the online format, combined with the instructors' expertise, makes Fight or Flight EMT Educators a standout option for aspiring EMS professionals. Blessings!

Amanda Eichenfels

19:01 13 May 24

Brenda Dixon

20:01 19 Aug 23

The CPR class led by Danielle was excellent. Well organized and efficient way to get certified in basic life support. Excellent instruction and it was fun as well as educational. This is where I will go from now on to keep up my BLS certification! 5 well deserved stars.

Natalie Dulac

04:52 01 Aug 23

King Shick

22:38 31 Jul 23

Danielle is a great instructor. A+ class

Heidi Valdez

02:28 27 Jul 23

Excellent experience! Danielle worked with myself and a coworker to get a CPR class done before expiration. She is very knowledgeable, fun and great at answering all questions. Recommended to our boss we hire her for all the staff! Thanks Danielle

Ginny Cohen

19:06 12 Jul 23

I would HIGHLY recommend Fight or Flight. Danielle is one of the most thoughtful and passionate instructors I've ever had and really has the students' best interest in mind. I took the 8 week in-person class and will not lie, it's a lot of work and was very dense, but that's just kind of the gig. Danielle is extremely thorough and creative, and does a fantastic job of explaining which information is going to be critical for the NREMT exam, as well as which situations you will deal with in real life as a provider. The in-person option is really great for people who like varied types of learning aside from lecture/sitting at a computer (although there's plenty of that), and allows you to get to chat with past students who are happy to share their experiences too. All-in-all really great EMT school and experience!!!

Wes Miller

01:04 23 Jun 23

I was looking around for an EMT Class that I could do online and also didn't break the bank. I stumbled on Fight or Flight and am very very happy I did . Danielle's content is very easy to understand and she does a great job breaking things down to help you understand. She's always very quick to respond to any questions and she put effort into making sure you pass the class. Highly recommend if you're looking for a good class either online or missoula .

Blair Wilds

18:32 22 Jun 23

Definitely a great class. I took the online class as I live out of state and it was nice to be able to do it remotely while still working or making it a bit more on your own schedule. They have local classes to me here in the Seattle area but most of those don't occur during the summer months. So, it was nice to be able to get one that finished right before summer, as I didn't want to have to wait until fall to take the course and then be finished with it by the New Year. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for an online version and wants to get the course done fairly quickly. Although it's a 9 week course and that seems like a long time, it actually goes by rather fast. Thanks again!

Robert Culpon

22:40 17 Jun 23

Fight-or-Flight has an amazing EMT class and good communication with their students. I took their online class and everything was set up and taught in a clear manner. Anytime I had a question, Danielle was quick to respond and answered any questions I had. I highly recommend Fight-or-Flight for anyone who wants to be an EMT, or anyone who wants to learn CPR or First Aid.

Meg Rowe

18:45 06 Jun 23

Danielle’s class was great. I liked how the loss was structured; easy for students working full time. I felt supported from Danielle and she was available if I had any questions or concerns. I feel competent in my EMT skills and know I’ll serve my community well with her preparation.

Alex Frizzell

19:33 14 Dec 22

Fight-or-Flight has a great learning flow. The layout for the course work and learning objectives are well organized and easy to follow along with. We regularly trained with high-tech, hands-on training tools that give real-time feedback. Danielle and the other instructors know there stuff and how to teach it. 5 stars all around!

Erin McConnaha

02:04 02 Dec 22

Danielle did an incredible job teaching this class and is a fun, knowledgeable and engaging teacher. The format, material and pace all were excellent and empowering. I can’t say enough how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to take this course.

Joseph Lustik

14:42 28 Oct 22

Danielle is an outstanding instructor. She includes just enough supporting narrative to add useful context to the lesson. Her instructional pace is steady and persistent: not slow enough for my mind to wander, and not so fast that I feel like I'm missing anything. The facility was perfect for segregating the written test from the hands-on demonstrations. I strongly recommend Danielle's courses to anyone needing this material.

jkw0322

15:53 24 Aug 22

Danielle was an excellent, instructor. The class was well structured, and even though I have taken BLS several times, she made the class interesting. Highly recommended for any healthcare professionals for renewal.

David Carlton

18:39 17 Jul 22

Fight-or-Flight EMT course meets the dictionary definition of the term comprehensive. The class was worth every last penny and more. The varied approaches to teaching the material was engaging and appealing.

Jessica DeWit

21:41 16 Jul 22

This was an amazing class! I took the online 15-week course and it was great! I strongly recommend this to everyone looking to get an EMT certification. Danielle is a fantastic teacher that you can really tell wants her students to succeed and she does everything she can to get us to the point where we feel confident on test day. Great class!!

Natasha Davis

18:07 13 Jun 22

10/10 recommend Danielle’s class! She made it fun and I was super sad when it ended, but now thanks to this amazing class I can now work as an EMT!

Tyler Ulrich

19:27 05 Jun 22

Danielle is a superb educator, leader, and mentor. I had a wonderful experience in her in-person class; it was professional, to-the-point, and engaging. Her online resources are very helpful and effective. The Fight-or-Flight EMT course is a bang for your buck; people from other states come here just to take it. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to be the best EMT you can be. I only wish Danielle taught other courses too, so I could have her as a teacher again. She really has a passion for what she does, and it is obvious on day one. 10 stars!

Danial (ruffythelongpipe)

02:08 01 Jun 22

Class size are nice a small. Plenty of time to ask questions. Although the instructor cover most that would be asked. Multiple Annie dolls so nobody has to wait to get hands on experience

Olivia Vesovich

05:39 07 Apr 22

I took a CPR and First Aid class with Fight or Flight! It was so educational, while also being engaging. Danielle is such an amazing teacher. I loved the tips that she provided. They make me feel more capable of being able to properly react in emergency situations. The tips she gave were helpful because they allowed for all the crazy mishaps that happen in these scenarios. She made me feel more prepared to think on my toes. I had a very nice time.

Jaiden Stansberry

17:47 31 Mar 22

Danielle's class was incredible. It was very informative and hands on. I felt very prepared with the knowledge that I received to take the certification and NREMT test. Danielle was quick to respond to questions and emails. The class was a blast, all the helpers and participants were helpful and fun, which made for a great experience.

Vanessa G

02:00 16 Feb 22

The course was much more than I expected and it prepared me for the NREMT-B. Danielle provides a fun learning environment. If you want a rewarding challenge, to enter the field of emergency medicine or just be prepared for emergencies in your personal life, this is the class for you.

Joe Riemensnider

18:28 01 Feb 22

I took this first aid course last week. I would highly recommend. Very engaging and thorough. I left feeling more prepared than any past first aid/cpr courses I've taken.

Sara Ginther

00:14 15 Jan 22

I loved taking Danielle's course because she made a difficult set of knowledge to obtain a really positive experience. She was very communicative and always ready to help her students. She offered a lot of opportunities for her students to study and practice the material in different formats. She has her NREMT preparation dialed in for students, so you can expect to pass the certification test when you get to the end of the course!

Carson Burrill

19:49 24 Dec 21

I really enjoyed this course, Danielle and her helpers are excellent at teaching and explaining the material. They are also very good at accommodating special circumstances and ensuring that you can complete the course. I would recommend this course to anybody that is looking to go into the EMT field.

Cody H

20:39 17 Dec 21

Excellent instruction. Flexible learning options. Highly recommend.

Rich Liddle

17:07 14 Dec 21

Danielle goes above and beyond to help her students not only learn the material but retain the material! She communicates the message very clear and gives you all the information and time to be successful. I highly encourage anyone looking to pursue any EMT knowledge and skills, please consider Danielle and her team.

Helen Hallenbeck

21:44 20 Aug 21

Once again, Danielle was informative and funny. We were all confident in her knowledge and felt comforted that she may have helped us save a life. Thank you!

Lacey Kludt

21:39 02 Aug 21

This is a great class- well organized and also really fun! It's very engaging and I definitely felt prepared for the NREMT.

Brian Hartry

07:42 17 Jul 21

AMAZING! This is THE ONLY class I will recommend to anyone I come across looking to enter the EMS field. With the options of both 7 and 15 week classes, it fits almost any schedule. And the wide variety of times available for the skills practice sessions made fulfilling the skills hours so painless. Danielle has really put together a masterful course between the online and on-site sessions. There really is no equal within the state! Can't wait to return for my refresher courses! Thank you SO MUCH to all the staff at Fight or Flight!

Brianna Simpson

18:41 09 Jul 21

I absolutely recommend this class! I took the 7 week course because it lined up best with my schedule. Although it was a ton to learn in 7 weeks, I felt like it was all well laid out, very well explained and the learning setup was great for all types of learners between book work, hands on learning and videos. Danielle and staff are very helpful and knowledgeable, I learned so much!

Justin Albert

02:08 20 Jun 21

My class was the first online course during the beginning of the pandemic. Danielles dedication to the success of her students is truly inspiring. Anybody looking to take an EMT course, this is the one!

Helder Ferreira

00:53 30 Oct 20

I loved this course! Not only did I learn a ton, but Danielle is extremely organized and always made herself available to assist the class. Fight or Flight also did a great job coping with COVID-19 and we didn't miss anything in our training, while they kept us all safe. Definitely planning on going back to Danielle for refresher training.

Naomi Soushek

02:10 26 Aug 20

Great class! Danielle is a great teacher and teaches all the concepts you need to know to pass the NREMT!

chris boulch

04:16 08 Jul 20

Excellent instructor. Danielle did a awesome job. She made everthing very clear when she was instructing how to do CPR and the rest of the Crouse. I would recommend her to anyone.I live in Kalispell. Drove to Missoula to do it. Wroth every minute of it.

Zachary Sippel

04:11 01 Jul 20

Danielle is an excellent teacher, who is caring, companionate and more than competent. She makes a difficult course more than manageable. Highly recommended.

anna gillan

17:00 26 Jun 20

I am so glad I completed the Fight-or-Flight EMT course. It was comprehensive, fast-paced, and I am confident with the skills learned. Danielle is a great instructor and extremely supportive throughout the entire course. I would definitely recommend Fight-or-Flight to anyone seeking an EMT course in Missoula.

Kyle Ishler

22:30 12 Mar 20

Danielle's class is nothing short of awesome! She is a very informative and knowledgable instructor who knows the answers to any questions one would have and if she doesnt have an answer, she goes the extra mile to figure it out. I feel this course is perfect for anyone looking to advance their view of EMS and first response. If I can pass, you will too. Obey her commands, and advice and one could sail through to be NREMT certified. THANK YOU DANIELLE AND FRIENDS.

Laura Maldonado

00:03 15 Jan 20

To say that this course was amazing would be an understatement! I am so thankful I decided on taking this class, I learned so much in such a short period of time and was prepared so well by Danielle for the NREMT and future career. I so encourage you to sign up for this class, you won't regret it!

Jesse Spaulding

17:43 10 Jan 20

Probably the best EMT class in Missoula. I passed the National Exam with flying colors and the only preparation I did was attend this class and do the necessary reading and assignments. I think everyone who passed my class passed the national exam. Danielle really cares about you passing and helps in every way she can. All the equipment is available to practice with before or after class, so you can perfect the skills. I had looked at taking an online EMT course and I'm super glad I did this one in person with Danielle.

Shuly Rodriguez

21:16 17 Dec 19

This was such an amazing class to take! Danielle is an awesome, fun, and very helpful teacher! I Would highly recommend to choose this inexpensive way to get your EMT certification. :)

Morgan Bowen

01:50 14 Dec 19

Such an awesome class! It is fast paced and full of information. I passed my NREMT on the first try and its all thanks to this course. I had no background in the medical world before this class, so if I can pass... you can too! I would highly recommend this course!

Stephen T

04:16 12 Nov 19

Danielle is an incredible instructor! The course is fast paced and there is a ton of information to take in but if you listen to the advice Danielle gives you, then there is a very good chance you will make it just fine.

Annalisa Hawk

20:51 04 Nov 19

The class is very straightforward. Danielle does an amazing job making difficult material much easier to understand!

Andrew Jarrett

21:19 31 Oct 19

This is a great class for someone who's serious about learning the material. It's really fast paced but Danielle definitely makes it manageable. I feel 100% prepared to go into the EMT field having taken this class though Fight or Flight.

Nichole Tyson

18:32 25 Sep 19

Danielle was a great instructor. I needed a recertification for my BLS certification last minute. Danielle was efficient, organized and was able to accommodate my busy schedule. Danielle is a real life saver, in more ways than one.

Maddie Quammen

17:26 15 Jul 19

Danielle was an excellent instructor. She provided all the information one would need to succeed in the class and then some. She made learning easy and fun. She truly cares about her students and goes the extra mile to make sure they succeed. Although the class is fast paced she makes the work load doable as long as you stay on top of it. I would 10/10 recommend this class to anyone.

Evan Falley

16:09 01 Jul 19

Danielle was a very good instructor for this course. There is a ton of information to learn and Danielle teaches it effectively and concisely. The helpers that she brings in also add to the quality of the course, giving you tips that they have learned from their experiences in the field. A big emphasis of the class is learning skills, which Danielle gives you ample time to practice and master. Would definitely recommend for anyone interested in getting certified and licensed as an EMT.

Ike Wallace

06:13 24 Jun 19

Danielle does an awesome job of preparing her students for the exam and real life scenarios students in pursuit of their EMT will encounter. She facilitates a unique experience to learn the ins and outs of this profession, delivering the content in exciting and interesting ways. Would definitely recommend to a friend and also to strangers on the internet.

Zach Lindor

23:25 20 Jun 19

Would highly reccomend this class! Danielle is extremely knowledgeable and helps in any way she can. You can tell she genuinely loves teaching and helping people succeed. It is challenging and straight forward and she gives you everything you need to pass the class and NREMT exam. In my opinion the class should cost much more.

Kate Mayfield

15:23 07 Jun 19

Not only do you take away invaluable experience, information, and skills from this course- Danielle ensures that you have fun throughout the few months you are in it. The coursework is broken down through lectures and skills in a way that allows students to not only feel prepared for the NREMT, but also for the field itself. She personally helps students in need, and does whatever she can to make sure that everyone is as successful as possible. Highly recommended!

Travis Vaughn

16:24 06 Jun 19

Great course! I've taken this course with other instructors (don't let your certs lapse!), and Danielle's take is by far the best. The course runs at a fast pace that requires a lot of independent study. But it finishes in nearly half the time that most other courses require, and is just as thorough with the material. Lots of support from the teacher and assistants. I can't recommend it highly enough!

David Hanks

04:15 25 Apr 19

Danielle does a great job teaching you everything you need to know about the EMT world. I would definitely recommend this class. It is also one of the fairest prices around.

J Roderick

01:45 25 Apr 19

This intense and interesting course provides all the preparation you need to become certified as an EMT. Danielle and her cohorts know their sh*t but you need to come ready to make this course a priority - it is a lot of information in a short time period. That said, NO ONE WILL PREPARE YOU BETTER for your EMT certification. If you want it, Danielle will offer many ways to help you get the most out of this course. Despite her recycled jokes (several are actually funny) she is an available and accessible instructor. Show up ready to learn and she will get you where you need to be.

Sarah Wells

02:08 22 Apr 19

Danielle creates a fantastic environment in which anyone of any age and background can gather together and learn the knowledge and skills necessary to be an EMT. Taking the course with Fight-or-Flight was the best decision I have ever made and I recommend this course with the highest regard. An incredible group of people run this course!

JD Schmidt

15:21 20 Apr 19

Not only was Danielle Pettry extremely knowledgeable of the course material and very effective in her teaching methods, she goes above and beyond to ensure that each student is given all the necessary tools to pass each exam and National Registry test. Would highly recommend to anyone looking into going through an EMT course. There is no equal to this one.

Craig Chiesa

21:55 04 Apr 19

This class overall was amazing and very challenging. Danielle is a great teacher/person and her class was interactive and kept you engaged in each lesson. The quizzes before class kept you on track and we’re a good indicator of how much you read. She demands a lot of each student and goes out of her way to help when you fall behind. Her class really inspired me to keep progressing and get as much medical training as possible. Highly recommend if you play in the outdoors.

Savannah Herrera

03:54 11 Jul 18

I absolutely loved this class! Danielle makes class exciting and her teaching style keeps you engaged the entire time. She will provide you with everything you need to pass the NREMT and you will look forward to class everyday. She is my favorite instructor I’ve ever had, I learned so much in two months. I HIGHLY recommend this class!

Harry Shaw

20:33 07 Jul 18

Awesome course! Everyday you learn more and more. After just the first week I was shocked with the amount of knowledge I gained! Danielle is an amazing teacher. Without hesitation take this class

Evan Stewart

22:47 06 Jul 18

This was definitely one of the best courses I have ever taken. Danielle is an exceptional instructor with lots of knowledge and experience regarding EMS. The course is fun and challenging. You will learn a lot about EMS and get a lot of hands on experience with EMS skills and meet and learn from other people who are currently working in the field. If you are interested in EMS, then I would definitely recommend doing this course. Like I said, it was fun and challenging, and you will definitely feel a sense of satisfaction after taking the course.

A.J. Brown

19:31 11 May 18

Danielle is one of the best instructors out there. She will provide you with all the information necessary to pass the coursework and you can become a knowledgeable EMT in under two months. Plenty of opportunity during class times to ask questions and fine tune your skills you will need to know for the exam. Highly recommend this class if you're considering getting your NREMT!

Erin Michalak

16:26 20 Mar 18

Really great experience with this class. The instructor, Danielle, really sets you up for success. Her pass rate for the nremt is super high and she really puts her heart and soul into making sure we feel ready. She gives you lots of encouragement and helps in any way to make sure you succeed. Great class! Don't be deterred because of the fast paced schedule, it was actually very manageable. Very happy I took this class.