In every fairytale story, there is always a hero coming to save the day.  It doesn’t matter how evil the villain is or the size of the dragon, the hero will simply always come.  For the most part, it's understood that this sort of a rescue can only be found in these sorts of tales.  But in the moment of an emergency, one can’t help but hope for a hero and a rescue, someone that can come and save the day.  From a burglar to a house fire to a terrible accident, there are emergency services that should always be on the way, but the truth is, that isn’t always the case.

  A quick response in the midst of an emergency is a luxury less than half of the population across the country enjoys, especially when it comes to Emergency Medical Services (EMS).  It’s even more unlikely in a rural area where the EMTs are volunteers.  It’s not that volunteer EMTs aren’t as good or as capable to provide the necessary services, but rather it’s the fact that it is an ever increasing challenge to retain volunteer EMTs and finance up to date equipment and training for them.

Throughout the United States, rural communities are facing a shortage of EMTs, a dilemma even Idaho is struggling with as 69% of the population of Idaho is dependent on rural services.  In these areas, most ambulance units run short staffed and underfunded.  With so many communities in crisis mode in an attempt to provide the EMS needed, a well funded, well operated unit such as the Oneida County Ambulance (OCA) is a rare thing to behold.

It may seem that the local EMTs are merely meeting the expectation of quick services and good healthcare that all ambulance units should run at, but the level of care that Oneida County citizens receive is far better than many other communities in the state and across the country could hope for.  While there isn’t a magic formula to make a unit run well, there are several components that have helped the OCA remain a department that is well served and well funded so that it can in turn provide great services to their friends and neighbors in need.

First and foremost, the OCA is an all hands on deck, everybody-pitch-in-and-help kind of a place.  Every person on the unit is a certified EMT that also takes on other responsibilities to keep the unit running at peak performance.  Every two years, a new administrative board is voted in by the members to carry out the affairs of the unit.  Together they carry the load of billing, writing and applying for grants, training, finances, equipment maintenance, supplies, communications, community involvement and scheduling.  Their shared awareness and responsibilities lends to a higher level of commitment and satisfaction in their work and their department.

When it comes to the hands-on work on scene, every member brings with them their own talents that work together to provide the best possible services.  For some it is their patient care, for others it is being able to take command of the scene and logistically think through the needs of the situation.  Capabilities of driving, navigating, and making it to the scene are just as necessary as the on scene patients care skills.  

Through their various call outs, trainings and other services they render, the EMTs of the OCA have developed a strong camaraderie with one another.  It might sound cliche, but when it comes down to it, they are family.  Their good working relationship extends beyond their own unit to the local hospital doctors, nurses and other staff that they often work hand in hand with.  

The unit is always looking for ways and areas that they can improve whether it is in how they set the schedule for the upcoming month or how they communicate, progress is always a high priority.  

At the heart of the unit is true service that each member wants to give to the community that they love.  The OCA EMTs live and serve amongst their friends, families, neighbors and coworkers.  When there is someone in need, it's entirely possible that they know them on a personal level and want them to receive the best care possible.  

Many rural ambulances around the country have had to shut down largely due to insufficient funding.  EMS is not deemed an essential service by the federal government which means they do not provide ambulance units any funding.  39 states also do not consider their services essential, including Idaho.  Some cities and counties designate some of their tax dollars for EMS but at the cost of higher taxes for their citizens.  

The OCA operates with 100% of its funding from various grants intended for emergency services, a feat that hasn’t come easily.  Various members of the unit have worked tirelessly to find, write and apply to grants that have in turn allowed them to upgrade and install top of the line equipment that not only make their jobs easier, but gives their patients greater care.

While the EMTs in Oneida County are volunteers, they do receive a small payment for each ambulance run they are called out on.  The compensation is hardly the “thank you” they deserve, but it is enough to motivate the EMTs to remain with the unit and maybe even provide a little extra Christmas money.

 Recently, the OCA unit was recognized for their great care as they received the 2022 Zero Traffic Fatalities First Responder award, presented by the Idaho Transportation Department of Highway Safety.  In 2022, there wasn’t a traffic related death in Oneida County which in large part is due to their great care.  At times there are accidents and circumstances that are beyond any medical help, but in those countless moments that help could be rendered, the OCA gave the very best.

They may not wear a cape or be a knight in shining armor, but people can take confidence that when in need, the EMTs of Oneida County are ready, willing and able to serve at a moment's notice, a rare comfort so many don’t even know they enjoy.