PRLog (Press Release) –
Mar 18, 2008 – Santa Clarita, Ca – As Summer is fast approaching, people are thinking and planning ahead for their pool parties and events. Event planners are preparing for weddings and corporate events all over Southern California and here in the Santa Clarita Valley. There is excitement in the air that can not be contained.
As people and event planners are preparing for each detail, there is often one area that is neglected and in recent years has been getting more and more attention due to the media. That one area is on-site medical standby provided by Paramedics, EMT’s or Lifeguards.
Southern California EMS, based in Santa Clarita, is aware of the importance of having on-site medical personnel at such events. This has been made very clear with such media coverage of the drowning at rocker Tommy Lee’s pool party in 2003 or the heat related injuries at a Chicago marathon in 2007.
The owner, Ed Castillo, a resident of Valencia and graduate of Saugus high school is on the frontlines of educating people about the benefits of such services. Most people and especially event planners are not even aware that a company such as Southern California EMS exists to serve in this area.
Most people call local ambulance companies only to find that they often charge between $500.00 to $600.00 per hour for an ambulance and a basic crew of EMT’s. That can be quite cost prohibitive for those who have a limited budget such as high schools needing a crew for their football games.
The benefit of on-site medics or lifeguards at events is far reaching and can make the difference between life and death. A person having a heart attack has but minutes for someone to provide rapid medical intervention. We all know that fire dept. response times have decreased due to rising traffic congestion or by limited staffing. On-site medics can aid in the chain of survival.
Southern California EMS is the leading provider of medics and lifeguards for the music, film, sports, and events industry in the region. What makes this company unique is the fact that unlike other on-site medical standby companies, they require all candidates to take a written and physical agility test as well as undergo extensive background/drug checks to ensure that the staff is competent and well seasoned. This means a lot to parent who needs a lifeguard at their children’s pool party.
In addition to on-site medical standby, the company offers training to children 9 to 12 years old in the area of earthquake preparedness. The DisasterSafe program offers interactive training and coaching to kids in the areas of first aid, fire safety, survival, and much more. This class was designed to give the kids the confidence they need to function during times of disaster. Other classes are pet first aid and CPR/First Aid.
Ed Castillo’s passion is working with churches all over the United States in helping them prepare their emergency action plans to serve their community in times of crisis.
He also strongly believes in community service that includes collecting toys for children during the Holiday season. He makes no bones about his caring attitude and making sure that the disaster preparedness message is heard by many.
