Friday, December 2, 2011 — For SAIT EMT student, Amy Laberge, a typical school day could include practicing her CPR skills on a simulation mannequin, learning the theory behind assessing a neurological emergency and serving 20 meals to Calgary’s homeless.

Working with marginalized groups is part of the Community Integration course all Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) students take in their first semester.

The real-life classrooms for the course are the Drop-In Centre and Calgary Urban Projects Society (CUPS). Students spend 40 hours volunteering at one of the two facilities. At the end of the course, students are graded on journals they keep of their experiences.

Laberge says it was the intangible benefits that made the Community Integration course meaningful for her.

“It was so interesting to get involved with the clients at the facilities and hear their different stories. It definitely opened my eyes to the different groups of people that we will hopefully be able to help as EMT's,” says Laberge.

Gary Weselosky, Community Integration class instructor, firmly believes the ability to work with all members of our community is the foundation of a career as an EMT.

“Of course, we want to teach them the medical components, but with this course we’re also building other skills such as communications, respect and professionalism — traits that are very important for when they go on to do ambulance work.”

During their time at the centres, the future EMTs work with the on-site community health nurse to provide basic health care to clients. However, the work they do is not limited to the clinic; they also spend time helping out in the kitchen, sorting clothes and serving meals. 

The course is just one of the many hands-on experiences EMT students take part in during the intense one-year program. Students complete an (ambulance) practicum and clinical placement in hospitals.  The rest of the time is dedicated to classroom and simulation learning.

SAIT Polytechnic is one of Canada’s most exciting destinations for post-secondary education, offering more than 100 career programs that position people for success in technology, trades and business. A leader in innovation, SAIT also collaborates with industry on applied research and delivers corporate training worldwide. SAIT is a member of Polytechnics Canada and one of Alberta’s Top 50 Employers for 2011.

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