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Clive fire department highlights SimIowa mobile EMS simulator in training push
Summary
The Clive Fire Department showcased its use of SimIowa'a University of Iowa mobile simulation lab'to expand hands-on EMS training for local medics at no cost through grant funding, and invited neighboring departments to participate in quarterly sessions.
The Clive Fire Department presented an update on expanded EMS training using SimIowa, a University of Iowa mobile simulation lab that brings realistic, bus-based medical scenarios to the city.
The department said the semi-trailer unit, funded through grant support, offers hospital- and ambulance-style simulation bays with high-fidelity mannequins that can simulate vitals and voice responses. "It's a very realistic" training environment, said Calum, the department's assistant chief of training, who described mannequins that provide vitals and spoken prompts and commented that the unit can reproduce local, redacted calls for customized practice.
Why it matters: Hands-on simulation helps medics maintain EMS recertification hours and practice rare but critical procedures in a controlled setting. The department reported it has already logged 110 hours of training this year on SimIowa at no cost to the city thanks to grant funding.
City staff also said the program supports regional coordination: Clive invites neighboring Urbandale and Windsor crews to rotate through sessions and sometimes mixes crews to improve multi-jurisdictional teamwork. Council member Eric praised the partnership and the Helmsley Foundation grant behind the program.
The presentation included logistics: SimIowa visits Clive quarterly (January, April, July and October) and the department expects to continue scheduling sessions into 2026. Officials said the unit'which staff estimated costs roughly $1.5 million to $2 million to outfit'provides a "command center" for observers and recording, enabling after-action review and skills refinement.
Council members asked about coordination and cost; presenters said the unit is grant-funded and easy to schedule through existing contacts at provider conferences. The department said it will continue inviting neighboring jurisdictions and exploring expanded scenario topics.
Next steps: The department will continue the quarterly schedule and report back if it expands training topics or session frequency.
