Crafton Hills College Receives Ambulance and Wildland Fire Engine from San Bernardino County Fire

Publish Date: March 16, 2021

On February 3, San Bernardino Fire personnel delivered an ambulance and Type III Wildland Fire Engine to the College for use in training, emergency medical technicians (EMTs). paramedics and firefighters. The donated vehicles have run thousands of emergencies and will now serve as educational training tools for the college.

CHC Fire Chief Mike Alder explained the impact this donation will have on the training of students enrolled in the fire academy program. “Prior to this donation, CHC did not have a wildland apparatus in their fleet. With California’s fire season now year-round, a significant training emphasis is placed on wildland firefighting,” stated Alder.

The four-wheel-drive engine carries 500 gallons of water, and can “pump and roll,” which is crucial for wildland firefighting. The engine came fully loaded with gear that meets industry standards.

“On behalf of our long running program as well as the Crafton Hills College and the San Bernardino Community College District, I would like to thank the San Bernardino County Fire Department for this great donation and all of the support that they have provided us throughout the years,” said Alder. “We truly value our great working relationship and the positive impact it has on our communities.”

The ambulance will provide equipment for training in the College’s EMT and paramedic programs. “Our students will be able to practice hands-on skills and assessments in the back of this ambulance and work through the aspects of moving and transporting patients while continuing patient care,” said Amanda Ward, CHC Paramedic Program Director. “We are greatly appreciative of this donation from the San Bernardino County Fire Department. With high fidelity simulation being a key component to our educational models, the addition of a fully functional ambulance will aid to create the most realistic simulations possible.”

The two new donations will join three previous donations from San Bernardino County Fire. Hundreds of San Bernardino County Fire personnel both past and present have trained at Crafton Hills College.