(Bannock County Press Release, May 4, 2026)
BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho – The Bannock County Commissioners are pleased to announce a significant expansion of emergency medical services for rural residents. Acting as the Bannock County Ambulance District, the Commissioners voted on Thursday, April 30, to establish an Advanced Life Support (ALS) crew to better serve the southern portion of the county.
The new ALS crew will be based at the recently constructed McCammon Fire Station. This strategic location will provide critical medical coverage to Inkom, McCammon, Lava Hot Springs, Arimo, Downey, and Swan Lake.
“Adding an ALS system for our rural residents will improve response time and patient care, helping us save lives when a heart attack or stroke occurs,” said Shane Grow, Acting Director of the Bannock County Ambulance District.
Beginning July 25, 2026, the McCammon station will be staffed by two full-time paramedics for four out of every six days. To streamline resources and maximize efficiency, equipment currently located in Inkom will be repurposed for use at the new centralized McCammon station.
This expansion introduces a “hybrid” model designed to supplement existing volunteer efforts with professional paramedic care. While the Inkom Volunteer Ambulance will be retired due to declining availability, volunteer Basic Life Support (BLS) services in Lava Hot Springs and Downey will remain active to support the new ALS team.
- Volunteer BLS Units:Will continue providing essential care, including CPR, oxygen administration, and the use of automated defibrillators.
- New ALS Crew:Will consist of paramedics capable of heart monitoring, starting IVs, administering emergency medications, and providing advanced trauma care.
“Our volunteers have dedicated countless hours serving their neighbors, making sure rural residents are well taken care of in their time of need,” said Commissioner Ken Bullock. “I’m grateful we found a way to maintain the volunteer system while enhancing the service our residents deserve by adding ALS to south Bannock County.”
“I’m excited to have found a path forward after two years of work trying to find the best way to bring quality, fast care to residents while being responsible with our taxpayer dollars,” said Commissioner Jeff Hough.
The Commissioners also thanked the City of Pocatello and the Pocatello Fire Department for their collaborative leadership and dedication to finding the best solution for all county residents and volunteers.
For Fiscal Year 2026, the operation of the full-time ALS system will be sustained through existing ambulance district funding. The transition was further made possible by federal grants to build the McCammon Fire Station, and equipment grants. Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) funding will provide funding for future budgets.
