Victimology Research Centre

Paramedicine Research Lab Shares Insights at the 2026 CIPSRT Conference

Four people stand indoors in front of two research posters displayed on easels at a conference. All smiling at the camera. The posters behind them show charts, graphs, and text related to Paramedicine Research Lab

On May 5-6, 2026, the 2026 Canadian Institute for Health Research and Treatment (CIPSRT) Conference brought together industry and community leaders in the public safety community from across Canada to share ideas and strengthen support for mental health and wellness. Algonquin College took part by presenting two applied research projects from the Paramedicine Research Lab in collaboration with the Victimology Research Centre.

The AC Applied Research team connected with researchers, frontline professionals, and industry partners who are working to improve the well-being of public safety personnel. The event showed how applied research can support real change in the field.

Projects

Stethoscopes and Scissors: Understanding Role Identity in New Paramedics

This poster presentation presented some preliminary data and results of a longitudinal research project studying role identity development of new paramedics moving from learner to early career professionals. It explores new paramedic learners during their first semester, those at the end of their program who have completed clinical preceptorship, and those who are new professionals with less than 15 months as a working paramedic. This research is funded by a College and Community Social Innovation Fund, which is administered through the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Resiliency Through Stress Inoculation: Building Skills for High‑Pressure Situations

This project strives to understand how the physiological changes associated with stress in the primary care paramedic following scenario training. This research project uses a combination of Hexoskin Smart Shirts (Hexoskin Smart Shirts – Cardiac, Respiratory, Sleep & Activity Metrics) and stress markers in saliva to determine how stress inoculation training helps learners learn to cope with stress. The ability for paramedic learners to modulate their own stress response while responding to emergency situations is key to their success. This work was completed in a new Immersive Lab that brings a level of realism that simulates real-world responses.

Why This Matters for Industry Partners

Both projects highlight the value of applied research in shaping the future of paramedicine and public safety. They also show how collaboration with colleges can support innovation, training, and workforce readiness.

Industry partners who want to explore applied research opportunities with the Paramedicine Research Lab and/or the Victimology Research Centre can connect with the Office of Applied Research to start a project here.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to:

  • Ashley Murfin, MHSM, ACP(f), Paramedic Program Coordinator/Professor, Police and Public Safety Institute and Principal Investigator, Paramedicine Research Lab
  • Dr. Chris Martin, Professor of Social Sciences, Police and Public Safety Institute and Principal Investigator, Paramedicine Research Lab
  • Diana McGlinchey, MSc, Principal Investigator, Victimology Research Centre
  • Dr. Pasan Fernando, Professor, Allied Health

Victim Services and Vicarious Resilience Study Online Survey

Online Survey Victim Services and Vicarious Resilience Rethinking Well-being 2020-2023

Victimology Research Centre would like to invite you to take part in our survey to help assess the wellness and working conditions of service providers who work with victims and survivors of crime in Canada. You will be asked about your well-being, your job satisfaction, vicarious resilience, strategies for self-care, and how your organization makes you feel. Participation in the online survey will require approximately 20-30 minutes of your time. Please note that all participation in our study is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

To participate in our study, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be an employee or volunteer working with victims or survivors of crime in Canada

If you would like to know more about the study, you can click on this link for background information. To complete the survey, click on your preferred language. [English] [Français]

Who can participate?

This is for employees and volunteers who work with victims and survivors of crime in Canada. You need to be 18 or older. More than one person from an organization can take the survey.

Why am I being asked these questions?

We want to learn more about people working in services for victims and survivors of crime in Canada. We want to learn about your well-being, how you feel about your work, how you take care of yourself, how your organization affects your wellness, and any harm as well as growth you may have experienced as a service provider. We will share the results in a public report in 2023 and what we learn will be used to create training materials. We will also publish academic papers.

How will I be protected?

You will not be asked for your name. If you are quoted, we will change details that could identify you. We will not share your survey with your employer. We will not use your computer’s IP address. Actions like signing out of your accounts, closing your browser, and locking your device when not in use can help protect your safety. For information on deleting your browsing history, see http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000510.htm.

What if I don’t want to answer a question?

You can choose “prefer not to answer” and continue. Share only what you want to.

What if a question upsets me and I need help?

If you need support, you can access free crisis help through Wellness Together Canada: Text 741741 https://wellnesstogether.ca/en-CA.

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate help to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling or crisis support. Call the toll-free helpline at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca. Help is available in English, French, Ojibway, Cree, or Inuktitut.

What if I have questions about the research?

You can contact Dr. Benjamin Roebuck (Research Chair) at the Victimology Research Centre by email roebucb1@algonquincollege.com or by phone (613) 727-4723 ext. 6328. If you have questions about the ethical conduct of this study, you can contact the Algonquin College Research Ethics Board by email REBAdmin@algonquincollege.com or phone: (613) 727-4723 ext. 5213.

Victim Services and Vicarious Resilience being conducted by the Victimology Research Centre at Algonquin College in partnership with the Victim Justice Network (VJN), Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC), and a wide range of other community partners. This research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and designed with leaders in victim services from across Canada.