Georgian unveils new paramedic training vehicle for student learning

May 26, 2023

To mark Paramedic Services Week, Georgian unveiled a new state-of-the-art training vehicle to enhance student learning in both the Paramedic diploma and Advanced Care Paramedic graduate certificate programs.

The training vehicle is equipped with all the bells and whistles of standard ambulances, including lights and sirens, a radio for call details, and storage shelves and compartments. Students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom on the road, practising in this vehicle on a weekly basis.

Two second-year Paramedic students, Alyssa Cork and Sam Kilmurray, gave us a tour of the new vehicle and told us how it will help prepare them for the workforce.

“Having this vehicle is invaluable to my learning and it helps me visualize what I’ll be doing in a real setting,” Alyssa says. “I’ve always been really passionate about being in the emergency response field, and I love the hands-on nature of this program. Especially now with this new vehicle, I’ll have so many opportunities to get comfortable with the equipment and features.”

While in class, students learn how to operate the vehicle, and eventually drive it out on the road with an instructor in the passenger side. The students also have access to a newly renovated paramedic lab where they can use a driving simulator to prepare them for different road conditions.

Sam adds, “I think what’s so special about this training vehicle is that we get to practise different scenarios. Not only can we get on the road, but we also set up manikins in different situations and treat them as if they’re a real patient. Having this level of knowledge going into placements with experienced paramedics, and one day into a job, makes me feel a lot more confident.”

Kenzie Wigney, a recent graduate of the Paramedic program, says this new vehicle will be important in helping more students find successful careers. She currently works for Muskoka Paramedic Services and was able to secure a job soon after graduation.

“The program is challenging, but I feel that it prepared me for real-life interactions with patients and what you’ll see daily on the road. I’m really happy about where I am in my career too; I love working with my small team in Muskoka because of the tight-knit family dynamic.”