Question 1

How are your ambulances dispatched to a call?

Accepted Answer

Ambulances are dispatched by radio through Sircomm (Southern Idaho Regional Communications) located in Jerome Idaho.

Question 2

How are the ambulances staffed?

Accepted Answer

All ambulances are staffed with a minimum of an EMT and a Paramedic. At times the ambulance may be staffed with two Paramedics.

Question 3

What is the best way to request an ambulance in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

The best and fastest way to request an ambulance is to dial 911.

Question 4

Sometimes I see multiple ambulances at a residence. Why is that?

Accepted Answer

If you are outside of the City of Twin Falls it is most likely a local QRU ambulance. Quick Response Unit's are a very essential part of pre-hospital medical care in our area. They are able to provide care when at times a Paramedic ambulance is 10 minutes or more away due to the calls location. Most towns outside of Twin Falls and Jerome have a QRU. Places like: Buhl, Kimberly, Filer, Hagerman, and Castleford. Twin Falls and Jerome city have Fire Departments that respond to assist us.

Question 5

What can I do to assist the ambulance find my location or residence?

Accepted Answer

The best suggestion is to have your address numbers a minimum of 3 inches in size, well lit and not obstructed by any bushes or trees. At night it is hard to see small numbers either on a house or mailbox. The best way, if possible, is to have someone wait by the street to flag down the ambulance.

Question 6

The other day I pulled over for an ambulance with lights and sirens. A few blocks later they turned the lights off and drove with the flow of traffic. Why?

Accepted Answer

The ambulance was probably cancelled. Ambulances are dispatched right away not knowing the extent of injuries. Once either the police, fire department or other public safety official arrives and there are no injuries or the patient is refusing treatment, the ambulance is cancelled.

Question 7

If an ambulance is coming with lights and sirens on what do I do?

Accepted Answer

If you notice an ambulance or any other emergency vehicle coming you need to pull to the right when it is safe and come to a complete stop. Emergency drivers are taught to pass vehicles on the left unless there are certain circumstances. This is why you sometimes see emergency vehicles coming in the oncoming lane around stopped traffic.

Question 8

What is the difference between an EMT and Paramedic?

Accepted Answer

The difference between EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced and Paramedic is hours of study. Magic Valley Paramedics employes EMT-Basic, EMT-Advanced and Paramedic providers. An EMT-Basic will conduct approximatly 120 hours of class room and hands on studies and will then be able to provide basic life support to those in need. An EMT-Advanced is able to do what an EMT-Basic can do but is also able to start IV's and provide advanced airways ( endotracheal intubation ). They conduct approximatly 200 hours of class room and hands on studies.  Paramedics conduct approximatly 1400 hrs of study and hands on clinicals. Paramedics are trained to provide life saving interventions with medications, cardiac monitors, advanced airways, advanced trauma care and stabilization.

Question 9

What type of ambulances do you operate?

Accepted Answer

Our fleet consists of what is called a Type 3 ambulance. We currently use the Ford E450 diesel chassis along with the Chevrolet 4500 diesel chassis, both with an aluminum box module. We are able to transport two patients that are immobilized along with multiple minor patients if needed.

Dial 911 for ANY Emergency

Magic Valley Paramedics

Frequently asked questions