By Robin McClelland
Globe Gazette
MASON CITY, Iowa — Emergency responders and students gathered Wednesday at the Mason City Fire Station for a hands-on medical training designed to prepare them for some of the most critical, and least common, emergencies they may face in the field.
The training, led by the University of Iowa Simulation in Motion–Iowa Program, brought a mobile simulation unit equipped with lifelike medical manikins and advanced technology directly to local firefighters, paramedics and high school EMT students.
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The program focuses on “high-acuity, low-frequency” events, life-threatening situations that occur rarely but require rapid, precise response when they do.
“This is the stuff that is super dangerous and can end lives very quickly, but doesn’t happen very often,” said Jason Smith, the program’s western region coordinator. “It’s not what you see every day, so it’s important to train for it.”
During Wednesday’s session, participants practiced responding to a cardiac arrest scenario involving an infant. The exercise included advanced airway management, a skill typically performed by paramedics and especially challenging in pediatric cases.
Instructors encouraged realism throughout the simulation, prompting trainees to communicate, problem-solve and make decisions under pressure, just as they would in an actual emergency.
Mary Frances, a paramedic with the SIM-IA program, said the mobile training allows departments across Iowa to access high-level instruction without traveling.
“We bring simulation to your front door,” she said, noting that units operate throughout the state nearly every weekday.
The Mason City stop was part of a broader northern Iowa tour that included visits to Spencer and Forest City earlier in the week, with additional sessions planned later this month.
In addition to career responders, the training included local high school students enrolled in an EMT course, a growing program aimed at introducing young people to careers in emergency services.
Emily Carolan, a firefighter-paramedic and the program’s lead instructor, said the experience offers students a realistic glimpse into the field.
“This is the real world,” Carolan said. “It’s a great baseline knowledge for anyone going into medicine, law enforcement or the fire service.”
Students participating in the training said the hands-on scenarios provide valuable early exposure to the demands of emergency response.
Addison, a high school senior enrolled in the EMT program, said the course laying the groundwork for a future in medicine.
“It’s a good start experience,” she said.
Organizers say the training not only strengthens skills among current responders but also helps build the next generation of emergency personnel in communities like Mason City.
“This kind of exposure is going to be very impactful,” Carolan said, “not only here, but wherever these students end up.”
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