Our Roots

Boundary Ambulance Service is the longest running, active ambulance service in Idaho. Since our inception, our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has been one defined by the dedication of our responders to providing an excellent public service, and our ability to readily adapt to our community’s ever evolving needs. Our history began in 1965 when members of American Legion Post 55 recognized the unmet need in their community for patient transport services, and raised $4,322 to form Boundary Volunteer Ambulance, purchasing a reconditioned 1959 blue Cadillac ambulance with 63,000 miles.

True to the vision of these founding members, over the years our service has readily adapted to the needs of our community far beyond responding to routine 911 calls. As the general hospital health care model changed, our service met the critical need of providing inter-facility transports to regional specialty centers. We adapted to provide vehicle crash extrication services during a time when other emergency response agencies were unable to meet this local need. We provide medical services to wildfire incidents, and we partner with our local Search & Rescue agency to reach patients in the back country. Individual assistance to patients with needs falling outside of the normal health care infrastructure is provided through our Community Paramedic program. We provide CPR education utilizing the latest in American Heart Association literature and technology, and we train with our local law enforcement agencies in tactical medicine & response to mass shooting incidents. Where there is a medical need in our community, Boundary Ambulance rises to the occasion.

Our Goals

Station: Our original station was located behind the Boundary County courthouse, according to legend was intended as a stopgap location until a more appropriate one was found. Approximately 51 years later we were still there, despite having outgrown the building and it’s ability to house the agency. In 2016 we partially moved to the rental property on Comanche street which became Station 1. In the Spring of 2021 we were given the opportunity to purchase the Comanche property. In the future the need for a larger station will arise; one with a training facility that can be utilized for collaborative countywide first responder trainings, EMT, CPR courses among other classes. This is what we are working towards by buying within our means and growing from a position of strength. And in the moment we are grateful for our current station and the comfortable space for living and working it provides.

Future Staffing: Currently Boundary Ambulance provides 24/7 911 coverage to Boundary County through a combination of paramedic and EMT staffing. But we intend to keep in step with the County’s population growth by eventually staffing a second 24/7 ambulance. This expansion will be based on call volume, budget support and available personnel.

Education: Currently BAS has seen multiple EMTs become advanced EMTs (AEMT) which advances their skill level to include cardiac monitoring, IV placement and fluid administration. This will benefit the community and expand our ability to care for patients.