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PCC Celebrates New EMT Training Facility Dec. 16

December 12, 2011

Tucson, AZ – Pima Community College, the top trainer of first responders in southern Arizona, celebrates the completion of its new EMT Training Facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony next week at the East Campus.

“The creation of this learning space will enhance our ability to produce well-trained and qualified first responders,” said Dean John Gillis. “Most first responders in our area – whether they are basic EMTs, paramedics, firefighters or law enforcement officers – begin their training at Pima Community College. If that training is improved, emergency medical care in the community is enhanced, which benefits all of us.”

The facility, built at a cost of approximately $350,000, consists of six rooms for training and testing, and a mock apartment that simulates the tight spaces students could encounter as a first responder.

Creation of the facility was achieved by a creative use of space: enclosing an overhang on the east side of a building adjacent to the current EMT classroom and laboratory.

The new facility also provides Pima with an improved area to administer exams for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. PCC is a certified testing site for the exam, which is aimed at ensuring the competency of EMTs.

Pima’s rigorous first responder program is geared toward meeting a growing demand for EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers in the years ahead. Graduates can look forward to a challenging but rewarding career that requires quick thinking and the ability to stay focused in life-or-death situations.

From 2006 to 2010, Pima and its Public Safety and Emergency Services Institute granted a total of nearly 500 certificates or degrees to EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and police officers.

EMT classes at Pima are held every day of the week except Sunday and the new space is in use most of that time. Pima enrolls 120 EMT students each Fall and Spring semester, and 72 each Summer. See the accompanying fact sheet for more details.

  • What: EMT Training Facility Ribbon Cutting
  • When: 9 a.m., Dec. 16
  • Where: Building E4, PCC East Campus, 8181 E. Irvington Road
  • Details: Guest speakers, facility tours and EMT demonstrations

CONTACT:
C.J. Karamargin
Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations
(520) 206-4850