DMC unveils $1.7 Million Investment in Emergency Response Training

Del Mar College

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - Through customized training by the College’s Workforce Programs & Corporate Services Division in collaboration with the Del Mar College Department of Public Service, emergency response training is provided to industry partners across the region to upskill or reskill safety personnel, and the College unveiled its $1.7 million investment in new ERT props and equipment during an open house held May 15 on the Windward Campus to showcase how this expansion will impact future first responders and regional employers’ personnel.

Cadets with the Del Mar College Public Service Department’s 46th Fire Academy complete the final step of loading the victim into an ambulance as part of a confined space and robe rescue demonstration using new equipment and props purchased by DMC. (Credit: DMC College Relations)

Having completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training at DMC and passing the national certification examination, Process Technician Severo Medellin with Gulf Coast Growth Ventures said that his experience allowed him to reach his goals both personally and professionally. He noted, “Since becoming an EMT, I’ve extended my duties on the ERT team at GCGV to include EMT, rescue and firefighter.”

“A lot of our initial training at Flint Hills Resources starts right here at Del Mar,” added Senior Operator Mark Benavides. “Safety is a key issue, especially up and down the ship channels, and it’s crucial that we have the skills , tools and knowledge to go out day-by-day to proactively do our jobs safely.”

Both Medellin and Benavides served as guest speakers to share their training experiences during the event.

“This complex is an example of Del Mar College’s dedication to excellence in emergency response and industrial safety practices; and as we move forward with this project, we not only celebrate the first phase of a remarkable facility, but we also see the critical role firefighting and safety training plays in safeguarding lives, protecting assets and preserving our environment” said Dean of Industry and Public Service Davis Merrell about the unveiling for what will be called the Emergency Response Training Complex.

He added, “In the realm of industry, where challenges and risks are inherent, the importance of proactive measures cannot be overstated. The investment in this complex underscores our proactive approach to mitigating risks, training our personnel and enhancing our capabilities to respond effectively to emergencies. This is made possible by the culmination of meticulous planning, tireless dedication and collaboration among experts from various fields.”

During a confined space and rope rescue simulation, Del Mar College Public Service Department cadets with the 46th Fire Academy begin moving a gurney for transport toward the injured victim (a mannequin) after being moved from an elevated area of new training equipment to the ground. (Credit: DMC College Relations)

During the open house, Public Service Department faculty demonstrated and discussed the new emergency response training props and equipment, including:

• Concrete Trench Prop: utilizes Paratech® equipment and tripod props that allow for different scenarios during trench rescue training and can also be used for confined space training.

• Confined Space Prop (tower): provides training for confined space rescue, confined space entry and rope rescues.

• HAZMAT Decontamination Prop: utilized to prepare for emergencies dealing with hazardous materials.

• Two-story Structural Simulation Facility: provides realistic training scenarios, such as forced entry, victim extractions and more in a multi-level structure.

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones): used to assess response needs during emergencies and rescues.

To learn more about emergency response training through DMC Corporate Services, visit www.delmar.edu/corporate-services/courses/emergency-response.html or contact Program Manager Christine Benavides at 361-698-1966 or cbenavides18@delmar.edu.

Interested in one of the Public Service Department’s programs, visit www.delmar.edu/degrees/index.html or contact the department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.