San Juan Island’s Emergency Medical Services will have new and improved equipment for its education/vocation center outreach program, thanks to the San Juan Island Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club last week presented San Juan EMS with a grant from Rotary District 5050 that will enable emergency services to purchase a new and more technologically sophisticated overhead projection unit and an associated sound system, which will be used as part of the outreach program.

More than 1,200 people, islander included, took part in some type of education connected with outreach program in 2010. The grant is the culmination of a combined effort by Rotary members and local emergency services personnel to provide needed equipment in challenging economic times.

EMS teaching aides provide islanders and other with skills and knowledge that will better position them when faced with an emergency. Examples of programs offered through the EMS outreach center are: CPR, AED, Basic Life Support, Blood Borne Pathogens, Pediatric First Aid, as well as programs presented to local school students.