DES MOINES, IOWA (November 12, 2025) — Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer delivered a featured presentation on November 6, 2025, at the National Rural Economic Development Association (NREDA) Annual Conference in Nashville, showcasing Iowa United First Aid, a groundbreaking rural emergency response model designed to improve survival outcomes in communities where EMS response times are significantly longer than the national average.
The initiative is currently being piloted in Cass, Van Buren, and Calhoun Counties, where teams of trained community volunteers are equipped to provide immediate lifesaving assistance before EMS professionals arrive. These pilot locations represent a cross-section of Iowa’s rural communities and are providing critical insights that will shape future statewide expansion.
The session featured an expert panel of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Task Force leaders directly involved in the program’s development and implementation:
- Sacha Wise, Director, Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative
- James B Hoelscher CEcD, Institute for Decision Making, Business and Community Services
- Shalimar Mazetis, Rural Economic Development Manager, Advance Southwest Iowa Corp
- Theresa Hildreth, Executive Director, Calhoun County Economic Development and Local Pilot Community Lead
While urban EMS response times average around eight minutes, rural response times commonly reach 28–30 minutes. With 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties classified as rural and many EMS agencies depending on volunteer staffing, Iowa United First Aid empowers communities to respond in the crucial minutes before emergency teams arrive.
“Rural communities deserve the same access to rapid emergency care as any other community,” Lt Gov Cournoyer said.
“Iowa United First Aid trains and equips neighbors to help neighbors — saving lives while EMS teams are en route.”
Developed under the Empower Rural Iowa framework, the program provides pilot counties with:
- $50,000 in state grant support;
- Ten fully equipped “Go Bags” containing AEDs, Stop the Bleed kits, tourniquets, and first-aid supplies; and
- Training and support for volunteer coordination and dispatch technology integration.
Local pilot leaders emphasized the importance of standardizing dispatch and reporting technology statewide; supporting sustainable volunteer recruitment, and community engagement; and developing shared training, communication tools, and operating procedures.
“The pilot counties are demonstrating what is possible when communities mobilize around care and readiness,” panelist Theresa Hildreth said.
“This model recognizes the strength of rural people and puts life-saving tools directly into their hands.”
The session generated strong interest among development professionals, utility organizations, and rural policy leaders from across the country — many eager to explore bringing the model to their own states and regions.
About NREDA
The National Rural Economic Development Association connects and supports rural development professionals nationwide, fostering innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership to strengthen rural communities.
