Pella Community Ambulance has been named the 2026 Iowa EMS Service of the Year in recognition of its efforts to strengthen emergency medical services and support the health and well-being of its employees and the communities it serves.
The award will be presented November 14 during the Iowa EMS Association (IEMSA) Conference at the Iowa Events Center.
Pella Community Ambulance is being recognized for several initiatives aimed at improving emergency medical services, supporting staff and expanding community outreach.
The organization became an EMS training center to help educate and prepare emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and advanced emergency medical technicians (AEMTs) to serve communities in the region. It also implemented a 24/72 work schedule, allowing employees to work 24-hour shifts followed by 72 hours off.
Employee mental health has also been a focus. The ambulance service provides daily access to crisis canines at its station and offers mental health check-ins through First Response Therapy. In addition, crisis canines are brought into the community to encourage connection and support emotional well-being.
Pella Community Ambulance officials said the award recognizes the combined efforts of the people behind these initiatives and reflects the organization’s continued commitment to its employees, the EMS profession and the communities it serves.
Source: Pella Community Ambulance announcement.
