Emergency Services Fundamentals

Program Overview

The world of emergency services holds many career paths and it may be difficult to know where to start. This two-semester program, which is unique to Durham College, will provide you with the fundamentals and basic skills required in many emergency service or health science careers. Once you have a foundation you will have a better idea of which path you would like to pursue, such as, Paramedic, Practical Nursing, Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training, Fire and Life Safety Technician, Police Foundations, Protection, Security and Investigation, or 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communications. The program concentrates on communications, math, science, law and civics, ethics, and other relevant topics that will prepare you for a post-secondary certificate or diploma program in a related emergency service or health science field. The program also serves to familiarize you with college life, and the workload required for success in your destination program.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

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Tuition

Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,322 (CAD)

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Semester 1 Courses

Core Courses

Optional Courses (students choose two of the following)

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Pathways

Helping Others

Crisis Intervention

Technology recommendations

To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.

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Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2021	Open	Closed

Career Options

As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other emergency service programs.

View all Career Options

Program Details

The EMSF program is designed for those interested in exploring post-secondary options in emergency services, or preparing for a specific emergency services or health science diploma. This two-semester certificate program will help you develop a strong academic foundation for success in a college program such as Paramedic, Practical Nursing, Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training, Police Foundations, Protection Security and Investigation, 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communications, or Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician. The EMSF program will also provide you with the opportunity to obtain selected course credits toward a diploma in another program, and external micro-credentials.

The program concentrates on foundational skills such as communication, biology, chemistry, practical mathematics, and law and civics. In addition, it will help you develop knowledge and skills in areas such as:

Addictions and mental health
Ethics
Leadership
Diversity and inclusion
Telecommunications
Physical fitness

In preparation for a post-secondary diploma program in a related field, your options also include:

From one to four credits that can be used toward diploma programs.
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials certification.
Ontario Security Guard license.
Portfolio development with relevant external micro-credentials, such as Training for an Accessible Ontario.

Please note: Admission to other programs is not guaranteed.

Program Learning Outcomes

Recognize the economic, social, political and cultural variables which impact the law enforcement and emergency services sector.
Apply computer skills and knowledge of information technology to support the role of law enforcement and emergency services providers.
Work effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and other law enforcement and emergency services providers.
Apply research skills to gather and interpret available information.
Develop an education and career plan within the range of law enforcement and emergency services.
Communicate basic mathematical knowledge required in the law enforcement and emergency services fields.
Utilize appropriate vocabulary, terminology and communicate strategies necessary in the law enforcement and emergency services fields.
Develop and implement ongoing effective strategies for personal and professional development.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)

Courses

The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyCampus.

SEMESTER 1

Core Courses

Optional Courses (students choose two of the following)

SEMESTER 2

Core Courses

Optional Courses (students choose two of the following)

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.

Costs

Career Options

As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other emergency service programs.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communications; Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training; Paramedic; Police Foundations; Protection, Security and Investigation or an allied health science program.

Through this program, you may also acquire:

Up to four credits that can be used towards diploma programs
Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials certification
Ontario Security Guard license

Durham College also offers degree completion opportunities with a number of Canadian and international institutions.

Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.

Technology Recommendations

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

Processor: i3
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection

Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.

Experiential Learning

Project Lord Ridgeback

Project Lord Ridgeback (PLRB) is multi-disciplinary experiential learning exercise that simulates a local disaster. Interacting with actors who play victims, casualties, emotionally distressed persons and the elderly in a staged, choreographed event, students from a wide range of programs learn by acting and responding as they would in real emergencies. Subject matter experts design injects into disaster-related scenarios which simulate authentic workplace demands.

Following the mock disaster, students participate in follow up exercises to apply learning in mock court testimony, critical incident stress debrief, crime-scene lab work, and form completion specific to their program areas.

Student participants are from a wide range of DC programs including: Practical Nursing, Primary Care Paramedic, Police Foundations, Protection Security & Investigation, Paralegal, 911 Call Centre Communications, Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations, Journalism Mass Media Program, Social Service Worker, Activation Co-ordination – Gerontology, Court Support Services.

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Program related questions?
Contact Recruitment.

Application related questions?
Contact Admissions.

International student?

Contact International Admissions or call 905.721.2000 ext. 2355.

Emergency Services Fundamentals

Program Overview

Admission Requirements

Tuition

Semester 1 Courses

Core Courses

Optional Courses (students choose two of the following)

Technology recommendations

Intakes and Availability

Career Options

Program Details

Program Learning Outcomes

Admission Requirements

Courses

SEMESTER 1

Core Courses

Optional Courses (students choose two of the following)

SEMESTER 2

Core Courses

Optional Courses (students choose two of the following)

Costs

Career Options

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Technology Recommendations

Experiential Learning

Project Lord Ridgeback

Emergency Services Fundamentals in the news

Helpful Resources

Durham College Viewbook

2021-22 Program Guide

Graduate Employment Report [PDF]