Emergency Medical Services

The Idaho State Communications Center is dedicated to delivering emergency communication services and coordinating resources for numerous agencies throughout Idaho. The Idaho EMS Communications system features 40 remote mountaintop transmitter sites linked by microwave connections to StateComm in Meridian, Idaho, enabling radio communication with nearly every EMS service in the state. State Communications Specialists are certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), and over 16 EMS services statewide utilize the mountaintop radio network for dispatching, which includes volunteer ambulance services, quick response units (QRUs), and specialized rescue teams like Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue. These EMS services are primarily located in small communities lacking their own dispatch capabilities. StateComm can facilitate communication between responding units that may struggle to connect due to low-powered mobile radios and challenging terrain, ensuring they can transmit and receive messages to and from EMS Communications Center mountaintop sites. Additionally, StateComm aids EMS services with medical control inquiries related to patient care. Operating 24/7, StateComm manages all telephone and radio communications for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and provides flight following services for both EMS and non-EMS operations. They can directly reach out to State Aeronautics, Civil Air Patrol, and Air Force Rescue Coordination (AFRCC) at Langley Air Force Base in case of issues like downed or overdue aircraft. Over 10 state and federal agencies rely on the Idaho State EMS Communications Center as their primary notification hub, including the EPA, DEQ, Civil Air Patrol, State Aeronautics, Bureau of Homeland Security, Public Health, and the INL Oversight Commission. StateComm also serves as a connection between Idaho and the FEMA National Warning Center (NAWAS). All reports of hazardous material releases are directed to StateComm, which notifies the necessary agencies upon request and coordinates the response of emergency teams. Each hazardous material report triggers an initial conference call with the on-scene Commander, DEQ, BHM, and the relevant Regional Response Team. StateComm keeps comprehensive computer files detailing each community in Idaho, including local EMS, law enforcement, fire agencies, and the nearest hospitals, air ambulance services, and extrication units. Furthermore, StateComm maintains contact information for all EMS services in Idaho and neighboring states. The center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, staffed by a Communications Specialist fluent in English.