Emergency Response Career Pathway
Overview
Are you interested in a career as a firefighter, paramedic, or police officer? The Emergency Response Career Pathway combines classroom learning with hands-on training, tours, volunteer opportunities, and guest lectures from working first responders.
All students are registered in daily fitness training at the Don Wheaton YMCA to physically prepare for these demanding careers. YMCA membership (~$135/semester, payable in monthly installments) is required. The pathway has two levels, each building on the last.
ERCP Level 1
Explore careers in firefighting, paramedicine, and police/security services. You'll study each field through through the eyes of various first responders and receive hands-on training, field trips to trial physical fitness tests, and participate in volunteer events to assist Edmonton Police Service with their training. You'll earn your Intermediate First Aid certification (Level C CPR and AED).
Prerequisite: None | Credits: 12
Requirements: Must be 17, turning 18 before October 15 (if you start in Semester 1) or March 1 (if you start in Semester 2). Medical release and in-class criminal record check required. Uniform shirt (~$20) plus personal black pants, belt, and shoes.
ERCP Level 2
Advanced preparation for an emergency services career with a focus on leadership and organizational training. Depending on your interest, you may participate in live fire training with Edmonton Fire Rescue or Lakeland College, community volunteering with Edmonton Police Service, ambulance tours with Alberta Health Services, wildland firefighting scenarios, and visits to the Edmonton Remand Centre. You will also tour various firehalls, dispatch centres, STARS air ambulance, and hear from working first responders.
Prerequisite: ERCP Level 1 | Credits: 12
Requirements: Must be 18. Medical release and in-class criminal record check required. Uniform shirt (~$30) plus personal black pants, belt, and shoes.
Career Opportunities
- Firefighter — Responding to fires, accidents, and emergencies to protect lives and property
- Police Officer — Enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and maintaining public safety
- Paramedic — Providing emergency medical care and transport in the field
- Security Officer — Protecting people, property, and assets in public and private settings
- Peace Officer — Enforcing provincial laws and municipal bylaws
- Corrections Officer — Supervising inmates and maintaining security in correctional facilities
- Dispatcher — Coordinating emergency response by routing calls to police, fire, and EMS
- Conservation Officer — Enforcing wildlife and environmental protection laws
- Border Security Officer — Screening travelers and goods at Canadian ports of entry
- Private Investigator — Conducting investigations for legal, corporate, and private clients
Post-Secondary Programs
MacEwan University — Police and Investigations — Police Studies Diploma
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Police and Investigations — Investigative Studies Diploma
www.macewan.ca
MacEwan University — Emergency Communications and Response Diploma
www.macewan.ca
NAIT — Primary Care Paramedic Certificate
www.nait.ca
NAIT — Advanced Care Paramedic Diploma
www.nait.ca
NAIT — Disaster and Emergency Management Diploma
www.nait.ca
SAIT — Primary Care Paramedic Certificate
www.sait.ca
SAIT — Advanced Care Paramedic Diploma
www.sait.ca
Lakeland College — Emergency Services Technician Certificate
www.lakelandcollege.ca
Lakeland College — Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Services
www.lakelandcollege.ca
University of Alberta — Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
www.ualberta.ca
University of Lethbridge — Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Enforcement
www.ulethbridge.ca
Transferable Skills
- Leadership — Taking charge in high-pressure situations and guiding others to safety
- Teamwork — Working as a coordinated unit where communication and trust are critical
- Physical fitness — Building and maintaining conditioning for demanding careers
- Decision-making under pressure — Assessing situations quickly and choosing the right course of action
- First aid & certifications — Earning credentials valued across multiple industries
- Professionalism — Following protocols, wearing a uniform, and representing yourself with integrity
Gallery
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