Southwestern College’s EMT and paramedic training program received a specially designed ambulance, donated by AMR. The van-style ambulance will be used for training, and also by the college at career fairs to help attract more young people into the field of emergency medicine.
The fully equipped ambulance, which was wrapped in an eye-catching design created by graphic arts students at Southwestern College, was unveiled today at a ceremony at the college’s Public Safety Training Center at Otay Mesa.
Southwestern College President/Superintendent Dr. Mark Sanchez said the donation from AMR was a “generous gift.”
“AMR has long been a great partner in our effort to produce top-notch EMTs and paramedics for the San Diego region, especially in South County,” Sanchez said in a press release. “Their commitment to partnering with Southwestern College in educating the next generation of our workforce is truly valued.
AMR Government & Community Affairs & Operations Manager Claudia Rempel said Southwestern has one of the oldest and largest training programs in the county.
“We’re pleased once again to be able to support their efforts to recruit and train the next generation of emergency medical professionals,” she stated.
Among other things, the ambulance features an EKG monitor and defibrillator, an IV kit, a stretcher, a trauma kit to treat broken bones and stop bleeding, and an airway kit to facilitate proper ventilation.
Director of Paramedic and EMT programs Jason Hum said with this donation, they will be able to take the training program to the “next level.”
“And it will be especially useful as a recruiting tool as we seek to increase diversity in the field of emergency medial services to better represent the communities we serve,” he added.
