by John Osborn, marie Osborn and Paul Anderson, Idaho Capital Sun January 9, 2026 Are you having chest pain? Your child can’t breathe? Call 9-1-1. But, who will respond? In Idaho, first-responder units are struggling. Your safety net is “EMS” (Emergency Medical Services). You know the sirens, flashing lights, ambulances, helicopters, firetrucks, and dedicated emergency-care responders. Local first responders serve everyone in crisis, not just their local community.