Memorial Held for EMT Killed on the Job

A line of emergency vehicles drove from Qualcomm Stadium to The Rock Church Friday to honor Esteban Bahena, an emergency medical technician killed in the line of duty last week.

Bahena, 24, was responding to an accident on a rain-soaked State Route 163 April 1, setting out flares on the road, when he was hit and killed by a car.

Bahena had been an EMT with San Diego Medical Services (SDMS) for two years.

"He cared about everybody, including me," said Bahena's EMT partner, Paul Santos. "Like I said, he was always putting others before himself."

Santos described the moment his partner was struck.  "It took me a second to process it because I couldn't believe it happened," Santos said. "Right after that, I just ran straight over to him."

Santos rode with Bahena, in the back of their own ambulance, to Scripps Mercy Hospital, with city firefighters and paramedics who had rolled up on the accident scene.

"Within two minutes, we got out of there," Santos said. "We got him out and headed over to Mercy." Bahena never regained consciousness, according to Santos.

BLS 22, the ambulance where Bahena worked, led Friday’s procession followed by members of his family.

When they reached SR 163, the vehicles turned on their sirens and kept them on until they reached the site of the accident where Bahena was killed.

β€œThis is just a commemoration of his life. Anytime an EMT falls or a paramedic, firefighter, it’s very hard on the extended family, the emergency services family,” said SDMS spokesperson Reema Makani.

Bahena is survived by his father and two sisters. A fund has been established in his name for those who wish to make a donation:

Esteban Bahena Memorial Fund
San Diego Fire Fighters Credit Union
4926 La Cuenta Dr., San Diego, CA 92124
Acct. #: 1214D
 

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