Paramedic Awareness Week (P.A.W.) Camp

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P.A.W. Camp experience

The City of Ottawa presents an opportunity for youth, ages 13 to 17 years, to experience a week in the life of an Ottawa paramedic.

All participants will be able to learn what it takes to become a paramedic, communications officer, and equipment technician and get hands-on training from:

  • Ottawa Paramedic Service staff
  • Volunteers including paramedic students from local colleges
  • Members of the specialty teams, such as
    • Marine unit
    • Tactical unit
    • Bike unit

P.A.W. Camp location

Ottawa Paramedic Service headquarters

2465 Don Reid Drive

Ottawa, ON

Learning and certifications

To fully experience the camp, participants need to:

  • Have a positive attitude
  • Be energetic and enthusiastic
  • Follow all rules and regulations
  • Participate in all activities and classes during the week to receive first aid certifications

Language

In-class teaching: English

First aid instruction materials: English and French

Activities: English

Note: English is the standard operational language for first responders. French-speaking staff are available to answer questions.

Certifications

Participants will earn the following certifications during camp:

  • Standard first aid
  • CPR level C
  • AED

Key dates

P.A.W. Camp will run from July 15 to 19, 2024

Application deadline: end of day April 12, 2024

Confirmation of participation: by May 1, 2024 (email)

Eligibility

  • Be 13 to 17 years old as of July 15, 2024
  • Be attending P.A.W. Camp for the first time (applicants who have attended previously are not eligible to apply)

What you need for P.A.W. Camp

  • Closed toe shoes, such as running shoes
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle

What’s provided:

Lunch and snacks will be provided. Participants will be contacted regarding dietary restrictions and food allergies.

Before you begin

As part of the application, you will be asked to provide answers to the following five questions.

Short questions (max 500 words per question)

  1. Why are you interested in attending P.A.W. Camp this summer?
  2. What skills do you think are important for paramedics to have?
  3. List and describe any volunteer activities you are involved in (include in-school volunteering)
  4. List any sports, hobbies, or other activities you are involved in (include school activities)
  5. What would you like us to know about you? Tell us a little about yourself.

Cost

Free. There is no cost to attend.

Note: Transportation to and from camp is not provided. If transportation is an issue, please contact PAWCamp-SSTP@ottawa.ca

Apply

Applications will open in early spring for next summer's camp.

What’s next

Successful applicants will be contacted by email by May 1, 2024, to confirm participation. All other applicants will be notified by email and those on the waitlist will be contacted if a spot becomes available.

Registration package

Participants will receive a registration package by email that will include additional information and mandatory forms.