07/21/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/21/2025 15:16
T rainees in San Diego County Fire's new Emergency Medical Services Corps demonstrated hands-only CPR and equipment in an ambulance for family as a way to share what they're learning and introduce them to their real-world coaches and instructors .
County Fire operates the EMS Corps, a five-month, hands-on rigorous training program for juvenile justice or child welfare systems-involved young adults, ages 18-26, to prepare them for careers as emergency medical technicians.
The Family Night was hosted in Chula Vista Friday by SBCS , formerly South Bay Community Services, for the first group of EMS Corps trainees, who just started the program two weeks ago. SBCS is one of the key providers for the program.
"The County is committed to guiding justice -involved or child welfare-related youth find successful career paths like this one," County Fire Director Jeff Collins said. "It also addresses a national workforce shortage in the EMS field."
Trainees are paid a stipend while they receive emergency medical technician training and mentorship from experienced EMTs, firefighters and paramedics. The program helps students gain practical skills, confidence and a pathway into a high-demand career.
"Programs like this are closing the opportunity gap for youth who don't have as much support as their higher income peers," said SBCS CEO Kathryn Lembo. "It's more than job training-it's an incredible support system helping these motivated young people gain stability, skills, and confidence for a self-sufficient future they can be proud of."
The trainees also receive academic tutoring, job placement assistance, and other supportive services as part of the program.
Applications for the second cohort of EMS Corp will open in September and adults 18-26 are encouraged to apply. Two more cohorts are also planned for 2026. Learn more at sandiegoemscorps.org .
EMS Corps partners also include Southwestern College , American Medical Response , Falck , Premier Ambulance , San Diego Workforce Partnership , The Children's Initiative , Logan Heights CDC , and Project AWARE .