The County Board of Supervisors approved a major expansion of its Emergency Medical Services Corps program today, strengthening the region’s pipeline of future Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and first responders — industries that are short-staffed and expected to face increased demand in coming years.  

Chair Terra Lawson-Remer, a certified Wilderness EMT who personally administered COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic, welcomed the expansion as a vital step toward preparing the next generation of lifesaving professionals.

“This program is transforming lives and opening doors to high-impact careers that don’t require years of schooling to start,” said Chair Lawson-Remer. “As someone who has trained and served in emergency medical response, I know firsthand how essential EMTs are — and how powerful it is when young adults, especially those who have faced the steepest barriers, can access a direct route into the public safety and healthcare careers our region urgently needs.”

The Board voted to accept $500,000 in new grant funding from the San Diego Workforce Partnership to launch a fourth EMS Corps cohort, this time based in North County through a partnership with Palomar College. The cohort will train 20 transitional-age youth (ages 18–26) beginning in early 2026. This will be San Diego County’s fourth EMS Corps cohort to date.

The EMS Corps program is a statewide, nationally recognized model that provides young adults — especially those from underserved or system-impacted backgrounds — with an immersive, five-month EMT training experience. 

The program places a strong focus on young people who have been impacted by the child welfare or juvenile justice systems and for whom financial barriers, equipment costs, and full-time schooling often prevent entry into EMS careers.

Participants receive:

·        More than double the minimum EMT educational hours

·        Monthly stipends

·        Wraparound supports such as academic assistance, transportation, and therapy

·        Ride-alongs with private ambulance partners

·        Direct pathways into EMS, allied health, and firefighting careers

San Diego County launched its first EMS Corps cohort in July 2025 after receiving $1.27 million in state funding for three cohorts totaling 60 students. The program is delivered in partnership with Southwestern College, SBCS, and major regional ambulance providers, including Falck, AMR, and Premier Ambulance.

A fourth cohort in North County will broaden geographic access and support the region’s ongoing need for EMTs and paramedics. Staffing shortages tied to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with longstanding barriers to training and certification, have strained EMS agencies across the state.

The new cohort was strongly supported by letters from Palomar College, North County Fire Protection District, Escondido Fire Department, and AMR.