Parkland College donors, potential sponsors, board of directors, politicians and members of the community got a look at improvements to the school's Emergency Services Training site near Melville on November 6.
"Our programs are expanding based on provincial demand and we are thrilled to share how we have been developing our facilities to meet those needs," said Larry Pearen, Parkland College's manager of post-secondary programming.
The college ran two SIAST Heavy Equipment Operator programs at the site to level the ground, remove all vegetation, build berms, and improve drainage. Pearen noted that it was an excellent hands-on project for students learning to operate large equipment such as graders, bulldozers and rock trucks.
Other improvements to the site include: a secured enclosure with a chain-link fence and gates; a quonset for cold storage of two fire trucks, an ambulance, and a dangerous goods trailer; a shipping container structure with doors, windows and roof vents installed (stairs will continue to be added for further training opportunities; two circular prop bases with a three-dimensional fire prop and a large flange walkway (more industrial props will be installed in time for spring).
In addition, the college has scheduled a road structure to be built in spring 2013.
Parkland College has offered the only full-time professional firefighter training program in Saskatchewan since 2008 acting as a broker to provide the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 program in cooperation with Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta.
The 14-week program provides a comprehensive blend of theory and practical skills required for entry-level firefighter positions. Eight platoons have completed the program at with the most recent class having graduated in June. The next program offering is scheduled to begin in March 2013.
Students enrolled in the SIAST Primary Care Paramedic program also use the site. The 18-week certificate program trains students in recognizing and managing medical and trauma injuries, physical assessment, pharmacology, and professionalism and leadership in Emergency Medical Services. Graduates work in ambulance operations, fire services (in conjunction with fire training), industrial sites, mining sites, military departments, or special care facilities.
