DMC News
- Training Today for a Safer Tomorrow … Del Mar College unveils $1.7 million investment in emergency response training props and equipmentArticle 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. 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. 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.
- DMC’s 45th Fire Academy Marks Outstanding Milestone with Cadets’ 100% Pass Rate on State ExaminationArticle by Melinda Eddleman “The success of these cadets serves as a shining example of the exceptional quality of instruction provided by Del Mar College’s Fire Academy; and through rigorous training, mentorship and hands-on experience, these cadets are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles as first responders,” said Melissa Stuive, Chair of the College’s Public Service Department. Her remarks were in response to the 100% pass rate that 29 cadets with the College’s 45th Fire Academy accomplished on their “first attempt” when taking the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) Basic Structure Fire Examination. The cadets represent two fire departments––27 from the Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) and two from the Kingsville Fire Department (KFD). The cadets began their training as the College’s 45th Fire Academy on the Windward Campus in January and took the examination on May 2. The academy encompassed 680 hours of didactic and hands-on skills training that covered fire safety, use of firefighting personal protective equipment, fire dynamics, laddering, hose and nozzle operations, search and rescue techniques and hazardous material response and mitigation. Fire Science Program Director and Instructor Michael Schmidt noted that the DMC Fire Academy has works with several Coastal Bend fire departments to provide training in addition to the CCFD and KFD, including the Corpus Christi International Airport and those in Alice, Annaville, Aransas Pass, Flour Bluff, Ingleside and Portland. Stuive added, “These cadets’ pass rate is a testament to their dedication and hard work, and their accomplishment underscores not only the individual commitment of each cadet but also the strength of the partnerships forged between the Coastal Bend’s fire departments and Del Mar College.” The DMC 45th Fire Academy includes Gilberto B. Elicea and Jennifer L. Montgomery from the Kingsville Fire Department and Corpus Christi Fire Department cadets David Acosta, Raul A. Adame, Hailee N. Fisher, Michael J. Garza, Piper D. Gates, Rose M. Hale, Jacob J. Hernandez, Dathen D. Leyva, Cullen D. Marek, Joseph D. McQuary, Julian Mora, Matthew D. Moreau, Octavio R. Neave, Justin G. Parker, Daniel A. Perez, Francisco J. Perez, Eric Ramirez, Kevin A. Saenz, Joshua N. Salazar, Donovan E. Salcedo, Shawn P. Silva, Corey Stacy, Dandre A. Stingley, Albert E. Villarreal, Christopher J. Wilson and Daniel Zaragoza. Learn more about Del Mar College’s Fire Science Program online at www.delmar.edu/degrees/fire-science/index.html or contact the DMC Public Service Department at 361-698-1724 or publicsafety@delmar.edu.
Foghorn News
- Elevate361 West side family event provides vital support to Corpus Christi communityhttps://elevate361.org/
- Running Turtle Salazar’s Speech Sparks Community EngagementOn May 09, Larry Running Turtle Salazar, a prominent figure in the Indigenous rights movement, delivered a stirring speech at the YWCA in Corpus Christi. With a focus on his own background and the often-overlooked history of the city’s original inhabitants, the Karankawa people, Running Turtle mesmerize the audience with his sincere advocacy. Salazar, who’s name his people received in 1836 during the Indian Removal Act, began by sharing personal anecdotes, detailing his upbringing. “My first indication that there was a problem with who I am was in the first grade when the teachers cut my hair and took my…
CampusWell
- Stop scrolling: How to tell if you’re addicted to social mediaFeel like you’re constantly on your phone? Learn more about how social media impacts our mental health—and why we might have a hard time putting our phones down. The post Stop scrolling: How to tell if you’re addicted to social media appeared first on Gavilan College.
- Ask the nutritionist: “What are some cooking tips for people who struggle because of energy and/or disability?”When you’re low on energy or living with a disability, making time to cook regularly can be a challenge. Here are some tips and recipes for healthy meals that cut down on time and effort. The post Ask the nutritionist: “What are some cooking tips for people who struggle because of energy and/or disability?” appeared first on Gavilan College.