KENORA – “Kids can do hard things when they’re given the opportunity to learn,” said Rachel Sitar, the paramedic program coordinator for the Seven Generations Education Institute (SGEI) Kenora campus.
On July 22, kids ages 12 to 16 participated in the free Explore Paramedicine Summer Camp program where they learned the basics of emergency response with SGEI and the Kenora District Services Board.
Sitar said that they wanted to create the camp for two reasons.
“We wanted to introduce youth to careers in paramedicine and healthcare, and then we also wanted to teach some practical emergency skills that they could use in real life.”
The group first learned how to stay safe on a scene by practicing situational awareness, and learning to never run. They had the opportunity to use a virtual reality headset where they could identify hazards on emergency scenes, such as car accidents.
They also learned how to respond to someone who is choking, as well as the equipment that paramedics use to secure patients’ airways. Further, they learned how to control bleeding and practiced CPR.
The youth were given a tour of the ambulance, spoke to a firefighter about how emergency responders practice teamwork, and finished the day with a relay competition.
“There are lots of stories everywhere of young kids who may have done things like started CPR or called 911 and it’s really important to get the emergency preparedness to them,” said Sitar, who has also been a paramedic for 18 years.
“I know how upsetting it can be to kids who don’t know what to do or how to help (in an emergency),” she added.
They also hosted the program on July 23 for people ages 16 and older. Sitar explained that the older group gets a more in-depth look at skills, and explores paramedicine as a potential career.
David Hamilton, chief of EMS for KDSB said that “ultimately, we hope to see some of these individuals pursuing a career in paramedicine and be able to welcome them to your EMS service one day.”
There will be two more opportunities to learn this summer for youth aged 12 to 16. The program is free, and both have room for more sign-ups.
On Aug. 12, Naotkamegwanning (Whitefish) First Nation will host a camp for members of the community, and on Aug. 19 a camp will run in Fort Frances.
“I think the more prepared that youth are, the stronger our communities can become,” Sitar said.
To register a youth for the camp at the Rainy Lake Campus, go to 7generations.org/event and click on the link on Aug. 19.
