Advanced ambulance simulation technology is transforming paramedic education at Centennial College, giving students immersive training that mirrors real-world emergency medical situations.

Preparing future paramedics for the fast-paced world of emergency medical services (EMS) requires more than classroom learning. It needs realistic, hands-on training that mirrors the pressures of the field. That’s why, at Centennial College, paramedic students train in environments designed to reflect the real-world conditions they will face when responding to medical emergencies.

This year, Centennial College’s Paramedic Program has taken another major step forward in EMS education with the unveiling of two new SimRig Classroom Ambulance Trainers – advanced ambulance simulation units designed to deliver hands-on paramedic training in a realistic clinical environment.

This cutting-edge equipment was introduced during a special event on Friday 23 January at Centennial College’s Morningside Campus in Toronto, Ontario. Among the VIP attendees were Ron Kelusky, former Chief Prevention Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister; Susan Picarello, Assistant Deputy Minister, Emergency Health Services Branch at the Ministry of Health; and Councillor Neethan Shan of Scarborough–Rouge Park. The new simulation equipment provides career-ready training for students pursuing paramedic careers in Ontario’s EMS sector, and the event gave partners and guests a closer look at how simulation technology is shaping the next generation of paramedic training.

Why simulation-based paramedic training matters

Dr Craig Stephenson, President of Centennial College, said: “Today is one of those moments, isn’t it, when purpose, preparation and people come together in a very tangible way.

“When we talk about emergency care and the professionals who deliver it, we are talking about real lives. We’re talking about real pressure and real decisions made in real time.”

The SimRig Classroom Ambulance Trainer is designed to replicate the interior of a frontline EMS vehicle in a controlled classroom setting, allowing students to train in conditions that closely mirror the field. The compact space shows students the physical constraints and pressures of working in tight spaces, while letting a class participate in or observe simulations. Instructors can run realistic emergency scenarios, ranging from cardiac events to trauma responses, allowing students to practice communication, patient assessment, and treatment protocols in real time. Students observing the simulations can watch decision-making unfold step by step, learning from both success and mistakes in a controlled environment.

In the field, paramedics must often make rapid medical decisions while working in confined ambulance spaces, and coordinating with partners under pressure.

“Paramedicine is not learned at a distance,” Dr Stephenson explained. “It is learned in tight spaces under stress, with responsibility, where judgment, teamwork, confidence, and calmness matter just as much as the technical skill. That is exactly what this paramedic SimRig represents at its core.”

Ontario’s leading paramedic programme

Centennial College is the first college in Canada to embed two of these SimRig trainers directly into its paramedic labs, which are home to Ontario’s largest public paramedic programme, widely recognised for its rigorous, science-based curriculum and strong graduate outcomes. The programme combines classroom learning, simulation training and clinical experience to prepare students for the demands of Ontario’s emergency medical services system.

“For nearly 20 years, our graduates have achieved a 100%, let me just repeat that, 100% pass rate on the Ministry of Health’s certification exam,” Dr Stephenson confidently said.

Those stats reflect the programme’s emphasis on hands-on training, evidence-based instruction, and close collaboration with industry partners.

Dr Stephenson also highlighted the role of partnerships in making the initiative possible: “Thank you for all you do every day to nurture our student success and advance our program’s reputation for excellence, because when public colleges and partners work together, we don’t just train professionals, we build confidence capability and a more resilient future for everyone.”

For Centennial College faculty, the SimRig represents both a teaching advancement and a way to showcase the programme’s quality to employers across Ontario’s ambulance and emergency response agencies, who rely on Centennial graduates for paramedic skills and clinical preparedness. Many graduates go on to work with municipal and regional ambulance services across Ontario, providing frontline care in their communities.

Michael Thomas, Professor and Program Coordinator, Specialist (Joint) in Paramedicine, said: “Centennial has enjoyed a very strong reputation in the field and among paramedic employers.

“But today will hopefully provide a bit more of a glimpse into how we are training your future paramedics and employees, why we are confident that our graduates are exceptionally well prepared for the job, and why you should hire from Centennial.”

As simulation technology continues to evolve, tools like the SimRig are helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of frontline emergency care. With the addition of the SimRig Classroom Ambulance Trainers, Centennial College continues to strengthen its leadership in paramedic education, ensuring that graduates enter the workforce with real-world EMS experience, advanced ambulance simulation training, and the confidence for high-pressure emergency medical situations.

Please note, this article will also appear in the 26th edition of our quarterly publication.