Fanshawe College serves the greater London region by providing flexible learning arrangements and experiential education opportunities developed in response to labour market needs.
As one of Ontario’s largest colleges—with campuses in London, Simcoe, St. Thomas and Woodstock—we offer more than 200 degree, diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs, helping people unlock their potential and achieve success in a variety of disciplines including applied arts, business, health care, human services, hospitality and technology.
Project Summary
Fanshawe College organizes annual emergency training exercises that simulate realistic emergency scenarios. These exercises bring together students from multiple programs and community emergency responders to prepare for real-life emergencies.
The Challenge
Emergencies are inevitable, and effective response requires a coordinated effort from multiple disciplines. Students training for careers in paramedic services, nursing, police services and other emergency response roles need practical experience in handling real-life situations. Fanshawe College faced the challenge of providing this experience in a controlled, safe environment while ensuring students from diverse programs could collaborate effectively, mirroring the multidisciplinary nature of actual emergency responses.
Trauma and Treatment was one of the best school experiences I have ever had. It was great to put everything I learned over the two years together. It will forever be one of the best memories I have of the Fanshawe Paramedic program.
The Solution
Fanshawe College addressed this challenge by organizing comprehensive emergency training exercises on its campuses. These simulations involve students from Paramedic Services, Respiratory Therapy, Nursing, Police Foundations, 911 and Public Safety Communications, and even Acting for Screen and Stage, working alongside community partners such as local police, fire and paramedic services. Held at the London Campus, Aviation Centre and Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus, the 2023 exercises featured scenarios with multiple patients experiencing various emergencies, including medical, traumatic and mental health issues. Faculty member Chris Slabon emphasized the importance of this hands-on training, highlighting the collaborative aspect that prepares students for real-world careers. Alumni like Pamela Speranza praised the program for its practical application of learned skills.
The exercises are a valuable experience for our students, and they also provide an opportunity to gain a mutual understanding of emergency response protocols between the College and community emergency responders.
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