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Two $100,000-donations have changed the way students in ������ý’s Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) and Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) programs learn life-saving skills. The gifts, made by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, are the largest-ever received in cash for paramedic simulation training equipment at ������ý and have enhanced critical parts of paramedic student education.

 “At ������ý, we use training simulations based on real-life situations, so paramedic students develop and practise skills, build confidence and judgment, and experience the stress of emergency incidents in a safe environment,” explained Kathy Harms, Director, Health Sciences Division. “It’s the best way to learn, but it’s also expensive. We train in multiple locations, use specialized equipment and resources, and are continually replacing older training tools and materials.”

Ensuring that training is equitable for all students and is keeping pace with changes in technology, equipment, and professional competency is therefore an ongoing challenge. “We’re immensely grateful for the donor’s support, which enabled us to introduce equipment simultaneously at the four campuses delivering paramedic training,” Harms added. “This has been a huge step forward for student learning.”

The first contribution in early 2021 funded equipment including a MegaCode Kelly Advanced Manikin and Deluxe Difficult Airway Trainer for the campuses in New Westminster, Chilliwack, Kelowna and Victoria. This equipment helps teach students how to manage difficult and obstructed airways. It also allows them to practise advanced airway scenarios and additional invasive skills such as resuscitation from cardiac arrest.

The second contribution, received in late 2021, funded two iSimulate systems at each of the four campuses for PCP training. The iSimulate system is a highly advanced patient monitor simulator which mimics the types of monitors and defibrillators used by paramedics. The system, used to monitor and diagnose cardiac events, provides a better learning experience through features including real-time feedback on student performance and a wide range of patient scenarios. Introducing this equipment into PCP training enables students to learn skills which are being brought into PCP practice in B.C.

“Paramedics have been on the front lines throughout the pandemic, extreme weather events, and the opioid crisis,” said Tracy Campbell, Executive Director of The ������ý Foundation. “������ý’s paramedic programs are critical to the health and safety of British Columbians. These gifts are an incredible contribution to ������ý and people in the province. We are very thankful to the donor for their support, which has come during a demanding period for the paramedic profession.”

ABOUT THE JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA FOUNDATION

For almost 30 years,  (The ������ý Foundation) has inspired giving for important needs that enhance education, training, student learning, and applied research at ������ý. These needs most often include student financial support in the form of awards and bursaries, highly specialized training equipment and technology, and funding for innovative new initiatives. The ������ý Foundation is proud to be building meaningful relationships with communities to support Canada’s leading public safety educator.