Fort Worth’s transition of ambulance services from MedStar Mobile Healthcare to the Fort Worth Fire Department advanced during the Dec. 10 city council meeting, marking a significant overhaul of the city’s emergency medical services (EMS).
The council approved the creation of a new Office of Medical Director to oversee EMS operations through July 1, after which the Fort Worth fire chief will assume management responsibilities. Additionally, the city manager’s office will oversee day-to-day operations during the transition period, including approval of contracts exceeding $100,000, bypassing council review.
Two advisory boards were also established:
- First Responder Advisory Board, comprising fire chiefs and city representatives from MedStar’s 14-service area.
- Emergency Physicians Advisory Board, featuring local medical experts from leading hospitals, including JPS Health Network and Cook Children’s.
This transition follows a May 2024 council vote to exit the interlocal agreement that governed MedStar, which has served Fort Worth and 13 surrounding communities since 1986. MedStar’s fleet of 65 ambulances currently covers 436 square miles in Tarrant County.
The city’s decision aims to bring EMS services directly under Fort Worth’s purview, centralizing oversight and ensuring seamless integration with fire and police departments.
For the full story, visit Community Impact.
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