Idaho paramedic-led program aims to ease EMS strain, improve mental health response

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Idaho — A new paramedic-led program in rural Washington County is aiming to improve mental health crisis response while easing pressure on law enforcement and EMS resources.

Weiser Ambulance District Paramedic Ashley Lynn leads the newly launched community paramedic program, an initiative by Southwest District Health that’s being described as the first of its kind in Idaho, the Idaho Capital Sun reported.

“The two worst places for someone in crisis to go is the hospital and jail,” Lynn said, citing crisis intervention training. “Currently, that’s our only option.”

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Southwest District Health launched the community paramedic program earlier this year. Although still in its early stages, the program has already sparked interest from other rural counties exploring how to implement similar models.

Idaho faces a shortage of emergency medical services, which rely heavily on volunteers and receive no guaranteed state funding. Lynn said the Weiser Ambulance District has operated on the same budget for the past 20 years.

Currently, only one ambulance is staffed with a paramedic each day. While a backup crew is available, she noted, “We don’t have extra resources to go out and sit with someone who’s experiencing a crisis.”

The Washington County program operates on a referral basis and is funded by a five-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, according to Young of Southwest District Health.

The grant is now in its second year, with the first year primarily focused on laying the administrative groundwork for the program.

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