Simulation in Motion-Iowa officially launches

(ABC 6 News) – First responders in Iowa are gearing up for RAGBRAI and they’re doing it in a unique way.

Clinical simulations are being provided by mobile stations that will allow first responders the opportunity to work through certain scenarios.

SIM-IA is a unique program funded by an $8 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust that delivers simulated clinical learning opportunities to local communities across Iowa.

With three mobile simulation trucks, high-tech equipment and highly trained staff, SIM-IA provides much needed continuing education to EMS and other emergency providers throughout the state

“Our simulators and our staff are experts find doing clinical simulation so we can recreate most any medical or trauma scenario that you would either have in the hospital or in the operating room in the emergency department or in the field with EMS,” Asst. Professor of the University of Iowa College of Nursing Jacinda Bunch said.

“We don’t have to take our first responders outside the community or other agencies don’t have to take their first responders outside the community and spend time training away from the community this. This brings it right to us we can stay in our communities and keep serving our communities and get the training that we need right here in out home town, said Mason City Assistant Deputy Chief Randy Elsbernd.

Currently. those units are in Mason City with their next stop along the RAGBRAI route planned for Charles City.