Lifelines in the Region: Inside the IRMC Trauma Program Artwork

Rural Health Pulse

A collaboration between Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) on the topic of rural health care, focusing on issues and stories impacting the health of the region and programs and initiatives designed to improve healthcare and wellness.

All Episodes

Rural Health Pulse

Lifelines in the Region: Inside the IRMC Trauma Program

June 30, 2025 • IUP-IRMC • Season 3 • Episode 7

0:00 | 19:10

In this episode of Rural Health Pulse, we speak with Emelia Rippen, Trauma Program Manager at Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC), about the journey to establishing a Level 4 Trauma Center in a rural community. A lifelong Indiana County resident and experienced nurse leader, Rippen shares how IRMC responded to a critical need for trauma care by launching a program that now plays a vital role in stabilizing patients and coordinating emergency care across a large geographic area. We explore the unique challenges of rural trauma response, the rigorous path to accreditation, and the power of partnerships with EMS, regional hospitals, and community organizations.