Air Methods Ascend expands EMS training in South Dakota with state grant

Air Methods Ascend, the educational arm of Air Methods, has been awarded a grant from the South Dakota Department of Health to expand its emergency medical services (EMS) training across the state. The initiative will provide 500 first responders each year with free access to the company’s advanced online clinical training program for the next two years. This EMS training expansion aims to enhance the knowledge and preparedness of emergency personnel, equipping them with the latest skills required for effective patient care.

By leveraging its expertise in medical education, Air Methods Ascend is addressing the critical need for high-quality, accessible training for first responders. The program’s curriculum covers essential emergency medical topics, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive instruction aligned with national recertification requirements. With a growing demand for enhanced virtual reality training and simulation-based learning, the initiative sets a new benchmark for continuing education in EMS.

Statewide Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Medical Services

This expansion is expected to have a significant impact on EMS agencies throughout South Dakota by improving training accessibility and clinical proficiency. The state’s decision to fund this initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening emergency response capabilities by ensuring that first responders receive cutting-edge education. The grant will enable Air Methods Ascend to provide high-quality instruction through its online learning platform, allowing EMTs and paramedics to develop critical skills remotely while maintaining their active roles in emergency response.

The training program includes modules on airway management, cardiovascular care, trauma response, and operational protocols. Designed to go beyond the minimum standards required for recertification, the platform integrates interactive components that facilitate skill retention and real-world application. As the demand for highly trained EMS personnel continues to rise, the initiative supports agencies in delivering superior pre-hospital care.

Virtual Reality Training Enhancing First Responder Readiness

The integration of virtual reality training into EMS education represents a significant advancement in medical instruction. By offering immersive, scenario-based learning, Air Methods Ascend allows first responders to practice decision-making in high-pressure situations without the constraints of traditional classroom settings. This technology is particularly valuable in simulating complex medical emergencies, enabling trainees to refine their skills through lifelike experiences.

As a licensed provider of SimX’s virtual reality platform, Air Methods Ascend offers more than 300 clinical scenarios tailored to EMS professionals. These simulations replicate real-world challenges, helping first responders develop confidence and proficiency in managing critical situations. The ability to train remotely using virtual reality training also reduces costs for agencies while maintaining high educational standards.

Accredited Training Meeting National Standards

The EMS training expansion aligns with national accreditation standards, ensuring that participants receive certifications recognized across the industry. Courses offered by Air Methods Ascend meet the requirements of the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE), and the International Board of Specialty Certifications (IBSC). Additionally, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accredits its Critical Care Readiness and Critical Care Review programs, further validating the quality of instruction.

By offering industry-recognized certifications, the program supports first responders in fulfilling continuing education mandates while elevating overall competency levels within EMS teams. The structured approach to training enables participants to stay up to date with evolving medical protocols, ensuring that they are prepared to handle a wide range of emergency scenarios.

Impact on South Dakota’s EMS Agencies and First Responders

The expanded training initiative is expected to benefit EMS agencies across South Dakota, providing them with a cost-effective solution for professional development. Many agencies already utilizing Air Methods Ascend’s programs have reported improvements in their teams’ confidence and clinical decision-making. The grant-funded expansion ensures that more first responders can access these resources, ultimately enhancing patient care quality in emergency settings.

The growing reliance on digital and virtual reality training in EMS reflects a broader shift toward technology-driven medical education. As agencies seek to equip their personnel with advanced skills, programs like Air Methods Ascend’s will likely play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of emergency medical training.

How First Responders Can Enroll in the Training Program

First responders and EMS agencies in South Dakota interested in participating in the EMS training expansion must apply through the official Air Methods Ascend website. Enrollment operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with licenses distributed to eligible applicants each year. Those who receive a free license this year will not be eligible for renewal in the following cycle, ensuring that more responders have the opportunity to benefit from the program.

This initiative highlights the growing recognition of virtual reality training as a powerful tool in EMS education. By combining interactive learning methods with a flexible online format, Air Methods Ascend continues to drive innovation in emergency medical instruction. As more states explore similar funding opportunities, programs like this may serve as a model for enhancing first responder training nationwide.