Members of Fort Worth City Council’s ad hoc committee on emergency medical response received an update from emergency services consultant Fitch & Associates on Feb. 20. The update included four emergency medical service delivery alternatives for consideration based on prior committee direction.

The details

According to a news release, all four models are based on the expectation that the system should:
  • Control response times and workloads
  • Provide emergency response services
  • Strengthen governance for the city of Fort Worth mayor and council
The news release states four models Fitch & Associates shared include:
  • Current system provider—MedStar continues to provide EMS under a contract.
  • Fire department-based model—Fort Worth's Fire Department establishes a division of EMS. Houston, Dallas and San Antonio all use this model.
  • Third service model—The city establishes and operates a separate EMS or third public safety service managed by the city. Austin-Travis County EMS uses this model.
  • Private contractor model with purchased unit hours—The city contracts with a private contractor through a competitive procurement process. MedStar would be able to bid for the contract.
Quote of note

“We appreciate the hard work of Fitch & Associates on this project as well as the input of all stakeholders,” said Carlos Flores, ad hoc committee chair and City Council member. “We are focused on finding solutions that ensure an efficient delivery of high-level, patient-focused care and a sustainable business model for Fort Worth and our partners.”

The backstory


According to the news release, MedStar is the emergency and nonemergency ambulance provider for 14 Tarrant County cities, including:
  • Blue Mound
  • Edgecliff Village
  • Forest Hill
  • Fort Worth
  • Haltom City
  • Haslet
  • Lakeside
  • Lake Worth
  • River Oaks
  • Saginaw
  • Sansom Park
  • Westover Hills
  • Westworth Village
  • White Settlement


A comprehensive study completed by Fitch & Associates concluded that MedStar, which provides emergency medical services and ambulance care to Fort Worth and 14 surrounding cities, is “under-resourced” and fell short of desired objectives in 2023.

While the report highlights “significant fiscal constraints” faced by MedStar and that it is under-resourced, the report also found that MedStar is utilizing resources efficiently.

Next steps


The news release states the ad hoc committee on emergency medical response will meet again March 19 to further discuss the options presented by Fitch & Associates.