Simulation in Motion-IA

01/04/2026

We had a fantastic time returning to Clarence Ambulance Service for another round of simulation training! 🚑 There’s nothing quite like working with a crew that is dedicated to sharpening their skills for the community.

This session pushed the limits with two high-intensity, "worst-case" scenarios designed to keep our EMS partners at the top of their game: Chest Pain to Arrest and Ischemic Stroke

31/03/2026

A very happy birthday to our Central Region Lead Instructor, Mike! 🥳

31/03/2026

30/03/2026

Happy National Doctors' Day! 🩺

From rural clinics to busy emergency departments, today we recognize the incredible physicians across Iowa and the dedication they bring to their communities.

To the doctors who never stop learning and work tirelessly to keep our state healthy: Thank you.

28/03/2026

SIM-IA helps ensure providers are ready for the complexity behind every call....because in the field, it’s rarely just one problem.

During a recent training with Marcus Fire & Rescue, responders were challenged to balance trauma care with a hidden medical emergency. Dispatched as a fall from a ladder, the scenario required crews to recognize a cardiac issue as the true cause - testing their ability to manage both trauma and critical cardiac care at the same time.

27/03/2026

It might look like we’re just playing with stage makeup, but moulage is a critical teaching tool. It’s the bridge between “it’s just a doll” and “this is a patient.” If providers don’t see the “illness,” they won’t feel the urgency. Plus, sometimes our simulators just need a glow up! 💆‍♀️🎨

26/03/2026

Our Program Director, Brian Rechkemmer, has been honored with the Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award! 👏

Under his leadership, our program has reached all 99 counties, helping strengthen emergency care across the state and position Iowa as a national leader in mobile healthcare simulation.

We’re proud to have Brian leading the way. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved achievement!

Eighteen University of Iowa staff members received 2026 Staff Council Awards for achievements ranging from excellence in service to accomplishments that significantly benefit the university.

19/03/2026

Our Des Moines-based mobile unit has been clocking some serious miles across the region lately, bringing high-quality medical simulation directly to Iowa's first responders and students.

Here’s a look at where we’ve been:

🟡 Ames High School TAP: We had a fantastic time with the Transition Alliance Program exploring healthcare careers and getting hands-on with the truck’s life-saving technology!

🟡 Wapello County Rural Fire Department: A massive thank you to the crews from Blakesburg Fire & Rescue, Eldon Fire & Rescue, and Hedrick Volunteer Fire Department for joining us.

🟡 Northern Warren Fire Department: We had a great training with Northern Warren and Hartford Volunteer Fire & EMS. These multi-agency sessions are where the magic happens!

18/03/2026

When Washington County Hospital and Clinics invited us for an in-house training, we knew we had to bring our A-game… and maybe some cookies, too. 🍪

On March 10, with all three SIM-IA mobile units in action across the state, we were ecstatic to include WCHC as another location for our 1,000th training day festivities.

Inside the recovery room, teams worked through a malignant hyperthermia scenario, while just outside in the truck, another crew tackled a post-op sepsis case.

Thanks for having us back and helping make this day one to remember! 🎊

17/03/2026

17/03/2026

Our Western Iowa truck wasn’t the only one celebrating last week! 🎈 While our team was on the ground in Badger, firefighters in Des Moines were working with our Central Iowa crew.

SIM-IA is supporting a pilot program across the metro that allows first responders to administer blood products in the pre-hospital setting.

During this unique training, crews responded to two patients in one scenario - a mother and preemie - working through neonatal resuscitation and postpartum hemorrhage requiring a blood transfusion.

Using our advanced simulators, participants could even physically feel the difference between a boggy uterus and the effects of a fundal massage.

Thanks for always training with us, Des Moines Fire Department!

Up next ➡️ our Eastern Iowa truck… which was also on the move during our 1,000th training day celebration. 👏