The Humboldt Emergency Medical Services is passing down its skills to the next generation of paramedics.

Every Year, the Humboldt EMS takes in about 12 to 16 SaskPolytech Paramedic students for on the job training. From Wednesday to Monday, Conner Friesen from Saskatoon was the lucky student to undergo the experience.

"All the people that I've gotten to work with have been super nice. Everyone has been accommodating for a young student not understanding little things and being really willing to answer any questions that I have and to help me continue learning past the classroom," stated Connor Friesen.

Rural experience is part of a paramedic student's practicum. Humboldt EMS is a busy enough service to offer hands-on experience to the students. It benefit's the EMS by keeping the current paramedics sharp at the Humboldt location and it opens the doors to hire new paramedics for the Humboldt EMS. It also gives the students that extra experience beyond the classroom.

"Being in the ambulance and doing this training is valuable because you need to see how paramedics interact and every little task that you may overlook in school that may seem easy could become a difficulty on the job. Just seeing different things and working with different people makes you grow as a paramedic every day."

So far, the Humboldt EMS has trained 6 students in 2019. Friesen had his last shift with Humboldt EMS on Sunday night and into Monday morning. Another student will be joining the Humboldt EMS again in due time.

"EMS is a growing service, there is going to be more need for younger paramedics and skill development in EMS. So we need to show the young paramedics the ropes and guide them into their future career," said Rhonda Mortensen, Intermediate Care Paramedic and Supervisor with Humboldt and District Ambulance.