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Bannock County ambulance district to apply for EMS grant to buy powered cot system
Summary
The ambulance district will apply for an Idaho EMS Agency Vehicle and Equipment Grant to buy a powered cot and loading system costing $69,989; the maximum grant award is $40,000 and the district will plan a local match in its FY26 capital budget.
The Bannock County ambulance district told commissioners March 25 it will apply for an Idaho Emergency Medical Services Agency Vehicle and Equipment Grant to purchase a powered cot and automated loading system priced at $69,989.
Ryan O'Hearn, representing the ambulance district, said the powered system comprises a cot and a loader that inserts the cot into the ambulance automatically. “It's battery powered,” he said. The district requested permission to apply; commissioners approved the grant application.
O'Hearn said the maximum grant award this year is $40,000 and that the district would budget for the local match in the FY26 capital budget. He said powered cots “have become industry standard,” reduce back strains for providers and improve safety when loading patients into ambulances.
Commissioners asked about limitations such as stair access and tight basements. O'Hearn said crews typically leave the cot outside the front door and use a wheeled chair and tracked device for stairs and narrow hallways; while new powered cots are heavier, crews can still bring patients from inside residences and use other equipment to transport them to the cot.
The board moved to approve the district’s application and noted that budgetary details and the required local match will be considered as part of the FY26 budget process.
