Developing WIL in Austere Environments: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Building Operational Relationships in Paramedic and Outdoor Recreation Students for Future Practice.

Knowledge and skill retention among paramedics and first responders decreases following certification, while confidence and self-efficacy levels in the ability to perform skills in an emergency scenario tend to be overrated (Joyce et al, 2009; Rhue & VanDerveer, 2018; Schuman et al, 2012). In this study, we connect two cohorts of students who have similar imperatives to practice first response skills in austere environments and we use the learning experience to foster interdisciplinary, inter-professional collaboration and learning (Ford et al, 2014). This showcase provides an overview of scaffolded simulated wilderness emergency scenarios designed to immerse undergraduate paramedic and outdoor recreation students in cognitively and physically challenging situations. Students worked collaboratively alongside staff and industry partners in authentic learning experiences to better prepare them for their future professions. A mixed method approach was used in this study. Pre and post scenario surveys were completed with students, staff and industry partners. Analysis of the data was based on a grounded theory methodology. We discuss the integration of interdisciplinary peer-to-peer learning, and adaptive, reflective practice in austere environments, and share challenges and opportunities encountered in the development and implementation processes from the perspectives of students, staff and industry partners.