Training Tomorrow’s Professionals Through Interdisciplinary Simulation
16 April 2025
Organized in collaboration with several external partners—including Sudbury Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Greater Sudbury Police Service, and representatives from local high schools—the exercise brought together over 100 participants.
Held as part of the Action Plan for Community Safety and Well-Being project, this immersive initiative aimed to provide hands-on experience to students in the Paramedic program, while also engaging learners from other disciplines in supporting roles. Participants included students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Police Foundations, and approximately 50 high school students, all of whom took part as actors in the simulation.
A Full-Scale Simulation at the College Residence
The simulation, based on a mock school shooting scenario, took place at the College’s student residence. Paramedic students led the response—caring for the injured, conducting triage, providing emergency care, and coordinating with first responders.
The realism of the exercise was heightened by the involvement of high school students, BScN students, and members of the police services, who acted as victims, witnesses, or distressed individuals. The scenario enabled participants to experience the pressure and complexity of an emergency as it might unfold in a real-world setting.
A Unique Learning Experience
This simulation offered a powerful, hands-on learning opportunity for Paramedic students, who were able to apply their skills in an authentic environment supported by a well-structured and collaborative scenario. It also helped participants in acting roles gain a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in emergency response.
The event strengthened ties between Collège Boréal, its community partners, and local schools, while inspiring interest in careers in health care and public safety among youth.
