County to Repeal EMS Ordinance

BOISE, Idaho — Ada County (Idaho) Commissioners on Monday are slated to repeal an emergency medical services ordinance that went into effect Jan. 1.

The ordinance standardized ambulance operations throughout the county and established tighter licensing guidelines for ambulance personnel. It also required all paramedics to be licensed by the county and established the county as the sole provider of 911-ambulance service, a move Kuna, Meridian and other cities said is prohibited by state statute.

The cities maintained that the county does not have the authority to impose its ordinance on a city, and that the ordinance infringes on the city and rural fire districts ability to provide services to residents.

Ada County, Kuna and Meridian each took the matter to court, asking a judge to decide whether the ordinance complied with state code. The judge ruled the county exceeded the scope of authority granted to ambulance taxing districts.

No-Bid Ambulance Contract Riles Henry County (KY)

Henry County officials have approved a transition to a private EMS provider, leaving some residents and emergency responders with concerns.
Paramedics with man on stretcher in ambulance, showing low angle view.

Most NY First Responders Experience Mental Health Challenges, Survey Finds

A survey of more than 6,000 first responders in New York found most experience stress, while others have dealt with anxiety and burnout due to their professions.