Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced this week that Calhoun County Public Health has been awarded a $50,000 grant to participate in a new, innovative program to reduce emergency response times in rural Iowa. The grant funding was made available through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. The program, known as Iowa United First Aid, is based on the successful model developed by the Israeli nonprofit, United Hatzalah. The system utilizes technology to notify volunteer responders of nearby emergencies, significantly reducing response times. In cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, average response times have been reduced to just ninety seconds, while the national average is around three minutes. In Iowa, the program will provide trained volunteers with a mobile app that alerts them to 911 dispatch calls for emergencies occurring in their vicinity. These volunteers will receive comprehensive training and necessary supplies to perform essential first aid, bleeding control, CPR, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The objective is for volunteers to respond promptly to nearby emergencies, stabilize victims, and provide lifesaving assistance until professional medical help arrives. Lt. Gov. Gregg says, “This model holds real promise in using technology and innovation to solve a serious challenge facing our rural communities. I appreciate the applicants who have stepped up to lead the way.” The Cass County Board of Health and Van Buren County Hospital were also selected for this first round of funding.
