Janelle Chiasera, dean of the School of Health Sciences. explained that a simbulance is a decommissioned ambulance used for training purposes. The donation from Hartford HealthCare offers students the opportunity to prepare for emergency simulations in a safe and controlled manner, giving them a unique learning experience and helping them master concepts in a realistic way.

“This gift aligns well with the DNA of who we are as an institution,” said Chiasera. “At Quinnipiac, and particularly within the School of Health Sciences, we know that education is not only about imparting knowledge, it is about creating an environment that fosters growth, nurtures potential, is grounded in interprofessional roots, and offers innovative and unique value-added experiences to ensure that when our students and grads leave our institution, they are future-focused, profession-ready and able to thrive in the ever-changing environment of healthcare.”

“This simbulance is more than a vehicle; it is a testament to the power of collaboration between a health system and an educational institution, a partnership that no doubt strengthens the health and wellness of our society as our students leave the walls of our institutions better prepared and more able to respond to the challenges inherent in the 21st century healthcare,” she said.

In anticipation of the educational opportunities that lie ahead for him and his peers, Alex Bayer, ’25, captain of Quinnipiac University EMS club shared his enthusiasm.

“We are so excited for these educational opportunities,” said Bayer. “This vehicle will quite literally move our education forward.”
Kevin Ferraotti, senior director of EMS at HealthCare, said the simbulance offers multiple real-world benefits.

“Now when you go outside the campus and actually work in the field of EMS and in the field of healthcare, you’re going be one step above that EMT or paramedic that’s coming in off of the road now -- going right into a real-life scenario,” said Ferraotti.