By Sharon A. Heilbrunn
The San Diego Union-Tribune
Copyright 2006 The San Diego Union-Tribune
EL CAJON, Calif. — The first class of paramedics from the new EMSTA Paramedic Training Agency was graduated Friday at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon.
El Cajon Fire Chief Michael Scott, the keynote speaker, addressed the graduates. Scott began his career as a paramedic before joining the El Cajon Fire Department.
The class started with 35 students, three of whom left to enter the fire service. Thirty were sent to intern with paramedic and fire agencies around the county, and 23 graduated yesterday.
EMSTA, formerly East County Medical Training, specializes in the instruction of all aspects of prehospital emergency care. It is one of three schools in San Diego County offering paramedic training. The others are Palomar and Southwestern colleges.