Sault College and the Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB) are strengthening local paramedic education and professional development through a partnership that connects hands-on student learning with specialized training for practicing community paramedics.
From Oct. 13 to 15, the Sault Ste. Marie DSSAB community paramedics participated in Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) training in Sault College’s health training labs.
Led by external trainers from Renfrew, the sessions focused on chest and abdominal ultrasound techniques, providing opportunities for paramedics to expand their clinical knowledge and develop specialized skills to support patient assessments.
Sault College students from the Paramedic program and other health programs, along with community members, volunteered as patients for the training. Their participation supported hands-on learning while bringing students and practicing healthcare professionals together in a shared learning environment.
“Partnerships like this are incredibly valuable because they create opportunities for learning at every stage of a paramedic's career,” said Katie Kirkham, Chief of Community Health and Paramedic Services.
“From helping students gain hands-on experience with real equipment to giving our current paramedics access to specialized training, we're investing in the skills and confidence of both our future and existing workforce. Having these opportunities available locally, through a strong partnership with Sault College, is something we're proud to support. It helps us continue to grow as a service while preparing paramedics to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
Community paramedics support residents with complex health needs through preventative care, chronic disease monitoring, wellness assessments and connections to other health and community services. Access to specialized professional development helps them continue building their skills alongside the changing needs of the communities they serve.
"This Fall, we’re proud to welcome our first cohort of 21 students to Sault College’s new Paramedic program. Partnerships with frontline healthcare services like DSSAB are invaluable in helping our students connect classroom learning with real-world practice. Through volunteer experiences, access to specialized equipment, and opportunities to learn alongside practicing paramedics, we’re helping prepare our students for successful careers while supporting the development of a skilled healthcare workforce to serve our community,” said Rebecca Keown, Dean of Health Programs, Sault College.
The partnership also includes equipment contributions that support practical learning in Sault College’s two-year Paramedic program. Earlier this year, the Sault Ste. Marie DSSAB’s Board approved the donation of a surplus ambulance and three stretchers. While no longer suitable for frontline operations, the equipment remains a valuable resource for education.
The Sault Ste. Marie DSSAB’s Paramedic Services has also contributed approximately 100 helmets and two stair chairs, giving students greater access to equipment they will encounter in the field. These resources help students build familiarity, confidence, and practical skills as they prepare to enter the profession.
By sharing facilities, equipment and frontline expertise, Sault College and the Sault Ste. Marie DSSAB are supporting paramedic learning at every career stage and strengthening the local healthcare workforce.
***********************