MIAMI, Jan. 23, 2023 – Miami Dade College (MDC)’s Homestead Campus will expand its health care education programs with the inauguration of its new MDC Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Lab, a facility to train future first responders, including emergency medical technicians and paramedics. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the facility at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Homestead Campus. Working media is welcome.
“I am very proud that in the span of one year, the Homestead Campus is once again opening a center for health care training, where local students and those from surrounding areas interested in pursuing careers in the noble and essential profession of Emergency Medical Services can do it with us,” said Dr. Oscar Loynaz, MDC Homestead Campus President.
The new MDC Emergency Medical Services Lab is in a 3,854 sq ft facility. Students will have access to the latest technology and training tools of the industry, including HAL -High-Fidelity Human Patient Simulator Mannequins; Physio Control Life Packs; Monitor Defibrillators; Laerdal Mid-Fidelity mega code kelly mannequins; Striker bariatric-rated stretchers; Phlebotomy arm IV simulators; EMS Medication and Trauma kits and Advanced Airway bags.
Courses will be led by high-ranking, active firefighters and paramedics, including battalion chiefs and captains from local fire departments. MDC Homestead has been offering EMS courses for nearly 10 years. This summer, the campus will expand its offer with Paramedic classes.
MDC’s acclaimed EMS program began at the Medical Campus in the 1960s, spearheaded by Randy Boaz, one of South Florida’s first paramedics. Housed under the School of Health Sciences, the program has expanded to the North and Homestead campuses to meet local demand.
“This new facility and expansion at the Homestead Campus demonstrates our continued commitment toward meeting the needs of our community,” said Dr. Bryan Stewart, Medical Campus President.
MDC’s Homestead Campus opened its doors in 1985 as the College’s fifth campus with 350 students, operating out of the First Baptist Church. By 1991, a modern campus facility located in Homestead’s historic business district had been built to serve South Dade’s ever-growing population. Over the last decade, the campus has experienced remarkable growth, earning a reputation for excellence and innovation. To learn more and register for classes, visit www.mdc.edu/homestead.
WHAT: MDC Emergency Medical Services Lab Ribbon Cutting
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 2, at 3 p.m.
WHERE: MDC Homestead Campus, 500 College Terrace