Have questions? Please email them to frt@uoguelph.ca!
What is the FRT?
The University of Guelph First Response Team (FRT) is a student-run, non-profit team
of volunteers, and a division of St. John Ambulance. We provide on-call emergency service
to the campus every weeknight from 5 PM - 8 AM, and 24 hours on weekends. Our services are
designed to complement campus Security Services and thus we work in close association with
the Campus Police Department and the Fire Prevention Officers.
What will be required of me if I become a member?
As a First Responder you will work approximately 3-4 shifts per month. For the duration of
your shift you are free to be almost anywhere on campus doing anything you like, as long
as you are available to attend to an emergency at any time. Activities that make you
unavailable are not permitted while you are on-call (such as showering, swimming, etc).
If FRT services are required while you are on-call a dispatcher at Security Services
will page the team of four on-duty responders and you will receive a transmission
on your radio. You will be dispatched to the location of the emergency, to which you
must proceed as quickly and safely as possible. Once you arrive, along with your other
team members, you will administer whatever patient care is necessary.
Please note that becoming a member of the FRT is a full-year commitment and responders
are expected to work approximately two special events per semester in addition to regular
duty shifts.
What kind of training is involved?
All members of the team are required to attend all mandatory training and selection sessions
as well as several first aid sessions throughout the term. As well, there will be ample opportunity
for extra, optional training sessions. The first fall training session will consist of two full
weekends during which responder candidates will be trained to St. John's
Medical First Responder (MFR) standard, a level which exceeds Standard First Aid.
All candidates will also be re-certified in Level-C CPR.
In addition, there will be training in FRT protocols and procedures, as well as instruction
and preparation for a practical MFR examination that will occur at the end of the two weekends.
There is no cost in attending this training. At the end of the two weekends, approximately 50
responders will be invited to become active members of the University of Guelph First Response Team.
Training dates are as follows:
Fall Training:
Friday September 25 - Sunday September 27
Friday October 2 - Sunday October 4
Winter Training
Friday January 8 - Sunday January 10
If you are unable to attend any of the training dates please note it clearly on your application.
Additional training throughout the year includes several Continuing Medical Education (CME)
sessions per semester and one weekend of training in the winter semester.
How do I apply?
Applications to the team are competitive, but please don't feel intimidated. You don't have to be
a paramedic to apply. Anyone with some first aid training, strong communication skills, compassion,
dedication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities is capable of being on the team. We hope this
includes you.
In order to apply, you should hold at least the following current qualifications or comparable
certifications. All certifications will be examined for applicability.
- Level "C" CPR (Basic Rescuer which includes 2 rescuer CPR and child and infant resuscitation)
within two years of certification
- Standard First Aid within three years of certification
If you have any questions regarding the applicability of your certifications, or do not have any
certifications and would like to inquire about obtaining them, please contact
frt@uoguelph.ca.
Being a FRT responder is challenging, but rewarding. There are many opportunities for leadership,
advanced training and further self-development, as well as opportunities to get involved with
the team at an organizational level.
Unfortunately, applications for the 2009-2010 school year have now closed. If you were not able to apply
this year, we look forward to hearing from you next September.
What happens after I turn in my application?
We welcome all applicants, new and old, and encourage everyone to apply to the team this year. Upon
reviewing the applications, our selection committee will contact top applicants to request an interview.
The best candidates from the interviews will be invited to Fall Training. After the two weekends of
training at the end of September and beginning of October, a team of approximately 50 responders will
be selected from the trainees.