Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow … Del Mar College unveils $1.7 million investment in emergency response training props and equipment
Demonstrations highlighted safety training provided to current Public Service Department students and to industry partners’ safety personnel through DMC Corporate Services
Article by Melinda Eddleman
Emergency response training (ERT) isn’t just for Del Mar College (DMC) Fire Science, Emergency Medical Services and Occupational Safety and Health students who are working toward careers in the public service sector as first responders. Many Coastal Bend employers in industry need localized training for their safety personnel to stay ahead of the curve in ERT.
Through customized training by the College’s Workforce Programs & Corporate Services Division in collaboration with the DMC 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.
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.
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 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.
Del Mar College’s investment has allowed Corporate Services to increase our capacity and options to serve the needs of Coastal Bend Industry. Our goal is to double the number of existing and new programs we offer in safety training to meet our industry partners’ needs over the next few years, and this investment will get us there.
Over the past few years, Corporate Services has provided training to nearly 2,000 industry employees with more than 21,000 contact hours of instruction and skills training completed. Among industry partners utilizing this customized safety and rescue training are ArcelorMittal, Chemours, Citgo, Flint Hills Resources and Gulf Coast Growth Ventures.
With the College providing emergency response training that addresses building the Coastal Bend’s first responder workforce while also focusing on customized training for employers’ safety personnel, the motto around the new complex has become “Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow.”
“Our new complex is an example of Del Mar College’s dedication to excellence in emergency response and industrial safety practices,” noted Merrell. “Cutting-edge technology is converging with comprehensive training modules to equip our firefighters and safety personnel with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to confront any crisis with confidence.”
ERT Resources
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.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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