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Saw this in a ASHE thread.
When I read the federal Mass Casualty Commission recommended "a three-year degree-based model of police education for all police services in Canada", it reminded me of how seriously the Province of Ontario emergency services took a report, and the mandate that followed, almost half a century ago.
After that comes Ontario AEMCA exam.
That is mandatory to apply to a municipality in the province to become a PCP.
Then comes the departmental evaluations of the municipality they are applying to.
Once hired, there is recruit orientation, and continuing and remedial education throughout your career.
Then more to advance to ACP, CCTU - Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) , or Special Operations.
It's optional, for now. but to keep your application competitive, there is also a four-year University of Toronto Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) degree in Paramedicine.
I joined prior to 1975, when the mandate came into effect, so thankfully avoided it. But, later, those of us hired prior to 1975, were sent to college catch up with the mandate. "Get with the program, or GTFO."
As so-called "grand-fathers" we were also fortunate in that we remained on full pay and benefits while in college.
As far as members of our own departmental academy losing their jobs, that did not happen. Some were ( reluctantly ) forced to return to Operations.
Others found a niche in Recruiting, Orientation, Continuing and Remedial, Education & Quality Improvement (EDQI) etc.
We had 12 months probation with a Field Training Officer ( FTO ). Increased to 18 in some cases. Also, in-service and online education throughout your career.
I think what the Commission recommended was a career specific diploma, as in emergency services. Not general or "hypothetical".
Ontario emergency services recruits tend to be younger. It is their first full-time job.
They graduate high school, then straight into the two-year diploma program, then the challenge the provincial AEMCA, then apply to a municipality.
I remember considerable reluctance to the mandate back in 1975. I was one of them.
But, you had to, if you wanted on the job, or keep the job you already had.
I understand this was a federal recommendation.
But, my question is, if not the federal, is there any enthusiasm in the provincial or municipal police communities?
So is crawling under a subway train with a flash-light.
When I read the federal Mass Casualty Commission recommended "a three-year degree-based model of police education for all police services in Canada", it reminded me of how seriously the Province of Ontario emergency services took a report, and the mandate that followed, almost half a century ago.
In Ontario, any person who would like to become a paramedic must attend a recognized college or university paramedic program. All accredited college and university Primary Care Paramedic programs are 2 years in length.
After that comes Ontario AEMCA exam.
That is mandatory to apply to a municipality in the province to become a PCP.
Then comes the departmental evaluations of the municipality they are applying to.
Once hired, there is recruit orientation, and continuing and remedial education throughout your career.
Then more to advance to ACP, CCTU - Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) , or Special Operations.
It's optional, for now. but to keep your application competitive, there is also a four-year University of Toronto Honours Bachelor of Science (HBSc) degree in Paramedicine.
I joined prior to 1975, when the mandate came into effect, so thankfully avoided it. But, later, those of us hired prior to 1975, were sent to college catch up with the mandate. "Get with the program, or GTFO."
As so-called "grand-fathers" we were also fortunate in that we remained on full pay and benefits while in college.
As far as members of our own departmental academy losing their jobs, that did not happen. Some were ( reluctantly ) forced to return to Operations.
Others found a niche in Recruiting, Orientation, Continuing and Remedial, Education & Quality Improvement (EDQI) etc.
I could see a movement to probation period being increased. Maybe some mandatory courses- distance based.
We had 12 months probation with a Field Training Officer ( FTO ). Increased to 18 in some cases. Also, in-service and online education throughout your career.
College diplomas as an application prerequisite to apply would be fine. 2 years in school. Then apply.
I think what the Commission recommended was a career specific diploma, as in emergency services. Not general or "hypothetical".
Think about a degree you obtained 15 years ago.
Ontario emergency services recruits tend to be younger. It is their first full-time job.
They graduate high school, then straight into the two-year diploma program, then the challenge the provincial AEMCA, then apply to a municipality.
I remember considerable reluctance to the mandate back in 1975. I was one of them.
But, you had to, if you wanted on the job, or keep the job you already had.
I understand this was a federal recommendation.
But, my question is, if not the federal, is there any enthusiasm in the provincial or municipal police communities?
police work is dirty blue collar work
So is crawling under a subway train with a flash-light.