Zionsville paramedics to represent US in global EMS competition in UAE

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  Sports and Competition on Thu, Sep 18th, 2025 by WISH-TV

Zionsville Paramedics Gear Up to Represent the United States at Global EMS Competition in the UAE

A small-town volunteer team is on a big mission: a group of emergency medical service (EMS) professionals from Zionsville, Indiana, has been selected to represent the United States at the International Global EMS Competition in the United Arab Emirates. The announcement, first reported by WISh TV, sends the town’s EMTs and paramedics on a once‑in‑a‑lifetime journey to the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, where they will face off against teams from around the world in a series of rigorous medical simulations.

The Competition: A Showcase of Skill and Innovation

The Global EMS Competition, organized by the International Emergency Medical Services Association (IEMSA), is an annual event that attracts participants from more than 30 countries. It takes place each spring at the Sheikh Zayed Hospital’s state‑of‑the‑art simulation center, where teams compete in a wide array of scenarios—from cardiac arrest and traumatic injury to complex pediatric emergencies and mass casualty incidents. According to the IEMSA website, the competition “tests a team’s ability to deliver high‑quality care under pressure, while also evaluating communication, teamwork, and leadership.”

The event is not only a contest but also a networking forum where EMS professionals can learn from each other’s best practices, discuss new technology, and share research. The U.S. team, as part of the “American Rescue Squad” delegation, will have the opportunity to present their own innovations, such as a new rapid‑assessment tool used by the Zionsville crew during on‑scene operations.

Who’s in the Zionsville Team?

The Zionsville team, comprised of nine members, is led by Chief Paramedic Ryan O’Connor of the Zionsville Volunteer Fire Department (ZVFD). O’Connor, who has more than 15 years of experience in both fire and EMS operations, described the selection process as “an honor and a responsibility.” The roster includes:

Each team member brings a unique skill set that complements the others, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of modern EMS work. The crew has already begun rehearsing scenarios that mirror those used at the competition, with particular emphasis on communication drills and efficient use of limited resources.

Preparation: From the Field to the Simulator

The Zionsville crew’s preparation has been intense. Training sessions have been conducted in the department’s simulation suite, with a focus on rapid assessment, airway management, and patient transport under time constraints. The team has also engaged in virtual reality (VR) training modules that replicate the chaotic environment of a mass casualty incident, a common scenario in the competition.

Local partner Rider's Academy—a well‑known EMS training facility in the area—has provided specialized courses on advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and trauma life support (TLS) to ensure every member is up to speed with the latest protocols. In addition, the team’s medical director, Dr. Laura Simmons, has been coordinating a review of evidence‑based guidelines to inform the crew’s approach during the event.

“Every minute counts,” Simmons told WISh TV. “We’ve rehearsed until muscle memory takes over, and we’re proud to bring our town’s commitment to excellence to the global stage.”

Community Support and Funding

The Zionsville community has rallied around the team. Local businesses have donated supplies and offered discounted travel and lodging options, while the town council has granted a small grant to cover travel expenses. The Zionsville Chamber of Commerce launched a crowdfunding campaign that raised $8,000 in less than two weeks.

“We’re thrilled to see our volunteers get such a big platform,” said Mayor Linda Brooks. “It’s a testament to the dedication of the people who serve our community day in and day out. They’ve earned this opportunity.”

In addition to financial support, the town’s high school students participated in a “Paramedic Challenge” event, where they simulated a basic emergency response scenario under the guidance of the crew. The experience was described as “inspiring” by the students and a highlight for the town’s youth.

What to Expect in Abu Dhabi

The team will arrive in Abu Dhabi on March 12 and will settle into a hotel near the competition venue. They will attend orientation sessions, including an overview of UAE emergency services protocols and a briefing on cultural and logistical considerations. Over the next week, they will compete in a series of timed scenarios that evaluate clinical knowledge, teamwork, and adaptability.

While the competition is fierce—teams from Sweden, Australia, and Japan have consistently performed well—the Zionsville crew’s preparation and spirit give them a strong chance. The event’s judges will award points based on the quality of care, teamwork, and adherence to protocols. In addition, a “Sportsmanship Award” will recognize the team that exemplifies professionalism and respect throughout the event.

The Bigger Picture

For Zionsville, the competition is more than a medal chase; it is a chance to showcase the city’s high standards for emergency care. The crew hopes to bring back lessons learned, new technology, and a broader perspective on EMS operations that can be applied to local practice.

“I’m proud to say we’ll be representing not just our town, but the broader EMS community,” O’Connor said. “The experiences we gain here will ripple out to our patients, our colleagues, and our nation.”

The global EMS community eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Zionsville team. Whether they finish first or learn from a close competitor, their participation underscores the universal commitment of EMS professionals to saving lives—no matter where they call home.