Realistic Emergency Scenario Set to Unfold in Campus Parking Lot

First response agencies, community partners, and Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) are coming together for a Multi-agency Mass Casualty Training event tomorrow, April 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

This scheduled training exercise will occur at NWP's main campus parking lot, with ground transportation between NWP and the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital (GPRH), and activity on the helicopter pad at the southwest corner of GPRH. There will be more than 100 participants, including volunteer patients, post-secondary students, and current industry professionals. 

“Multi-agency collaboration is critical to improving outcomes in high-stakes emergencies. This exercise gives our students and future colleagues the opportunity to strengthen coordination, decision-making, and communication in real-world conditions,” said Dr. Vanessa Sheane, President and CEO of NWP. 

“We appreciate the public’s support as we work together to build a safer, more resilient community.

NWP has been working with event partners, including Advanced Paramedic Ltd., various Alberta Health Services departments, Grande Prairie Fire Department, Grande Prairie Police Service, STARS Air Ambulance, SMART Students, and others on the planning and delivery of the hands-on simulation exercise over the last few months. 

The goal is to provide an immersive experience that enables NWP paramedic, nursing, and emergency medical responder students to develop and practice skills in a safe, controlled setting, alongside local first responders. As they work through the set scenario, students and responders will solve problems, fine-tune coordination and decision-making, and foster collaboration between multiple response agencies to improve real-world outcomes.

The public should know that this is a scheduled training exercise and there is no actual emergency. The community will see emergency vehicles, STARS Air Ambulance operations, and first responders actively engaged in realistic operations based on a training scenario. During the training event, residents may hear loud noises, see simulated casualties, and witness emergency responders conducting mock rescues, evacuations, and patient transportation.

NWP appreciates the patience and understanding of the Grande Prairie community during this important training exercise. For more information, please visit NWP.me/TrainingExercise.