By Lisa Parent

‘I love everything about this profession’: Hat High students dive into world of paramedics

Mar 6, 2024 | 6:06 PM

Delivering life-saving care in a moving vehicle on the road to the hospital—no doubt, it’s a challenging career.

Medicine Hat High School students in science-based courses got a firsthand look into the world of paramedics for Paramedicine Day on Wednesday.

This day offered students the chance to mimick surgical procedures, from working on mannequins to suturing on fake arms.

Grade 12 student Zaynna Willoughby said it’s interesting to take information that they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it hands-on.

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“It’s been really cool so far,” said Willoughby.

Willoughby is not planning on going into medicine, but says she gained a newfound respect for the profession.

“I bet it has to be so chaotic, but they still have to keep so much composure. It’s incredibly impressive,” she explained.

Hat High student Gabriel Rahn is working towards becoming a lifeguard and a vet one day, so hearing stories from those in medicine was very useful.

“I did sutures, working on stitching people up, doing IVs,” said Rahn.

“It’s just a hands on thing of what [paramedics] would do in a day.”

This operation was organized by advanced care paramedic, Tara McCullough. It’s part of McCollough’s school project, as she researches recruitment for paramedicine.

She emphasized that the most effective approach to recruit new talent and ignite students’ interest in the profession is through hands-on experiences.

“It’s very tactile because people don’t learn just by looking or listening, they need to do it, they need to feel it.”

The initiative worked out perfectly, aligning with teacher Jennifer Matt’s goal of providing hands-on learning opportunities for her students.

“When kids are inspired to meet their potential or to see and have a vision of what their life could look like, it makes all of this worth it,” Matt said.

Twelve dedicated paramedics volunteered to inspire students, with some just off their recent night shifts. They aim to share their passion for the profession and pass it down to the next generation.

“I will never, ever regret making the decision to become a paramedic,” explained McCullough.

“I love everything about this profession and everyone here loves this profession.”

“McCullough added: “A lot of [the students] I don’t think knew what paramedicine was or even thought about this career. I think they’re coming out of this going, you know what, I could probably do this profession.”