“Through this generous gift from Generac, we are able to transform our educational opportunities for the next generation of EMS providers by providing them with simulated patients (manikins) that are realistic, highly accurate and diverse in age, gender, race and disabilities,” said Courtney Hull, associate dean for Fire/EMS Training at WCTC.
PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024) – The Generac Foundation, which focuses its charitable contributions in the areas of education, responders, sustainability and community, is providing Waukesha County Technical College and the WCTC Foundation with a $200,000 donation to purchase high-tech simulation manikins that will provide advanced training for those working in first responder roles.
The grant will fund 13 realistic Lifecast manikins for use in the WCTC newly named Generac Human Patient Simulation Lab (Room S228, adjacent to the fire apparatus bay) to improve learning for first responders and support the needs of the community. WCTC Fire/EMS program students, along with those participating in refresher and continuing education courses, will benefit from the training available on these new, sophisticated and realistic simulators.
“Through this generous gift from Generac, we are able to transform our educational opportunities for the next generation of EMS providers by providing them with simulated patients (manikins) that are realistic, highly accurate and diverse in age, gender, race and disabilities,” said Courtney Hull, associate dean for Fire/EMS Training at WCTC. “Providing a realism to our medical training improves critical thinking and direct transfer of skill from the classroom lab to the streets resulting in a more field-ready EMS provider.”
"This generous gift is just one example of how two long-standing organizations are working together to power up education and improve the region," said Robyn Ludtke, executive director of the WCTC Foundation. "The donation from the Generac Foundation is crucial for advancing our first responder training and contributes significantly to preparing our students for real-world emergencies and highlights their commitment to education and community safety.”
“Generac is committed to investing in our communities and strives to create innovative partnerships that make our state stronger,” said Kelly Skindzelewski, community programs manager at Generac. “This is an important community partnership that will result in improved training of EMS, EMT and fire professionals, as well as the quality of care in emergency situations.”
The Generac Human Patient Simulation Lab is expected to acquire and activate the new training manikins before the end of 2024.
Generac is a leading global designer, manufacturer and provider of energy technology solutions and other power products. Its foundation was established in 2023 and recognizes the robust community engagement that has been a part of the company’s long-term culture. It also provides an added element of social responsibility for the betterment of society.