Simulation in Motion-IA

03/03/2026

03/03/2026

Simulation in Motion-Iowa (SIM-IA) Bringing emergency care education to LIFE!

📸 photo credit Captain Christopher Oberembt

02/28/2026

SIM-IA teamed up with Community Memorial Hospital this week for hands-on trauma training that kept everyone moving.

First up: a pediatric ATV rollover scenario. Crews practiced spinal precautions, hypothermia prevention, oxygenation, and fluid and medication management - all while keeping calm in a fast-moving situation.

Then we shifted to a traumatic arrest simulation, zeroing in on trauma team leadership, clear role delegation, and prioritizing ATLS interventions under pressure.

Great work by all!

02/28/2026

SIM-IA rolled into Lenox this week to train alongside the crew at Taylor County, Iowa, Ambulance Service 🚑

During this visit, EMS providers worked through simulation scenarios focused on Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and prehospital care for acute stroke.

Thanks for having us!

02/26/2026

SIM-IA was included in Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District’s Annual Report 🔥 We’re proud to serve as an "invaluable resource" for their department and others like it across the state.

02/25/2026

A few snapshots from last night’s session in Elkader 📸

Participants worked through ischemic stroke and chest pain to cardiac arrest scenarios, focusing on rapid assessment, team communication, and evidence-based interventions.

Appreciate the partnership with MercyOne Elkader Medical Center as we continue bringing simulation-based training across Iowa!

02/24/2026

This “small but mighty” crew may run fewer calls, but their commitment to staying prepared is huge.

Oxford Junction Ambulance Service responds to a low call volume each year, many involving breathing difficulties. This training focused on two respiratory scenarios: adult congestive heart failure and infant RSV. Crews got hands-on practice providing interventions such as CPAP and nebulizer therapies, sharpening skills that make all the difference during airway emergencies.

Serving a small community means knowing your patients — and being ready when they need you most.

02/21/2026

SIM-IA Eastern Region Educator Erica Albaugh is leading a free training on Mar. 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fairfax Fire Department. See the flyer for details!

02/20/2026

SIM-IA was on site this week with Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District for some hands-on skills time....and breaking in some new equipment.

At their request, we set up focused skills stations to review:
🔹 IO placement and insertion technique
🔹 Application of new CPAP equipment
🔹 Proper use of two new splints

No full scenarios this time - just dedicated practice to build muscle memory, confidence, and comfort with new equipment.

02/19/2026

We rolled our eastern Iowa mobile unit back into Blairstown for more hands-on training with Blairstown Ambulance.

This round focused on syncope with traumatic injury, tailored for both basic and advanced life support levels.

To make it even more realistic, our own SIM-IA educator Hannah stepped in as a live patient for one of the scenarios.

We’re grateful for partners who continue to show up, lean in, and invest in sharpening their skills for the communities they serve.

02/19/2026

When you average 3,200+ miles a month, it’s no wonder the trucks get thirsty. ⛽

SIM-IA believes geography shouldn’t limit outcomes. With every visit to a new community, we’re leveling the playing field for rural Iowans who rely on quick, high-quality care.

02/17/2026

PHOTOS: Suburban Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) Training

From firearm injuries to stab wounds, S.E.R.T. members across the Des Moines metro face some of the most high-risk scenarios. Using SIM-IA’s realistic patient simulators, participants practiced critical trauma care, including applying chest seals, packing wounds, and using tourniquets under pressure.

Fun fact: While training with us, part of the team was activated and deployed to a real incident - training that immediately turned into action. 🚓