Students and emergency crews join forces for EMS bootcamp in Spencerville

The Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO), based at The Ottawa Hospital, oversees paramedic education, certification, and ongoing medical training across nine upper-tier municipalities

Emergency services, medical professionals, and students from across Eastern Ontario came together in Spencerville for the Prehospital and Transport Medicine Bootcamp, part of EMS Month.

The hands-on event allowed doctors, paramedics, and college students to experience real-world emergency scenarios alongside first responders.

Partners included The Ottawa Hospital, Kingston General Hospital, local fire departments, police, and paramedic services from Leeds Grenville, Lanark, Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, and surrounding regions.

Nick Costain, an Emergency Physician at The Ottawa Hospital and key organizer behind EMS Month, explained the main goal of the bootcamp.

The Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO), based at The Ottawa Hospital, oversees paramedic education, certification, and ongoing medical training across nine upper-tier municipalities.

Ben De Mendonca, Director of the RPPEO, spoke about the many positives that come from bringing so many groups together.

Costain emphasized the importance of health care professionals learning from each other through the bootcamp.

De Mendonca noted the program also functions as a recruitment tool for regional paramedic services.

The event continues to grow each year, building stronger ties between emergency services and the next generation of medical professionals. 

Learn more at RPPEO.ca 

Story by Evan Gibb