The new era in paramedic education begins at SLC

Cornwall, Ontario – The grand opening of the new Paramedic Simulation Center at the St. Lawrence College (SLC) in Cornwall was held on 7 May. The event marked a significant advance in medical education, showcasing the newly renovated facility equipped with state-of-the-art simulation. technology and learning tools to prepare students for real-life medical emergencies.

Barb LeBlanc, associate vice president (academic) and dean, Health & Wellness at SLC, and the event’s emcee, expressed her deep gratitude to the project’s supporters. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible. This new simulation center will provide real-life training necessary for our paramedic field, encompassing not only acute medical situations, but also mental health and primary care,” said LeBlanc. “This lab will allow our students to experience unique training opportunities, increasing the depth and quality of our training and preparing them for the physical and emotional realities of being a first responder.”

SLC President and CEO Glenn Vollebregt emphasized the importance of community and philanthropy in making such advancements possible. “This is a celebration of philanthropy and giving. We could not have this facility without the incredible generosity of our donors,” Vollebregt noted during the unveiling.

Jeremie Deschamps, a 2016 SLC Paramedic graduate and former instructor, shared his excitement about the potential impact on current and future students. “Seeing the simulation lab makes me happy. It’s exciting for the students who will spend countless hours here preparing for their future in the emergency services,” noted Deschamps.

Gail Kaneb, representing the Tom and Gail Kaneb Family Foundation, which contributed significantly to the project, emphasized the importance of investing in quality health education. “We are proud to invest in the education of our paramedics and nurses … We look forward to the impact this facility will have on our community and paramedic services across the region,” Kaneb said.

The new Paramedic Simulation Center is equipped with advanced technology, including video capture capabilities and simulated environments that replicate real-life emergency scenarios. These features are set to enhance students’ learning experiences, better preparing them for clinical placements and their future careers.

The project was supported by donations totaling $200,000, including significant contributions from NuMED Canada Inc., an anonymous benefactor, and the Kaneb Family Foundation. The investment is part of SLC’s initiative to upgrade healthcare learning spaces at its campuses in Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall.

The opening event included speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tour of the labs, demonstrations of the new simulation capabilities and a celebration of the donors whose generosity made the new center possible.