In a move to ensure the future of emergency services in Fort Worth, the City Council has greenlighted a plan to bring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) under the wing of the local Fire Department. The strategy, involving a collaboration with Fitch & Associates, aims to render EMS both financially sustainable and quality-focused, reports the City of Fort Worth.
Last Tuesday, the City Council endorsed the EMS Ad Hoc Committee's proposals, with Assistant City Manager Valerie Washington noting, “We are happy to be able to transition this to the City of Fort Worth’s Fire Department. It is a step in the right direction and we look forward to all of our stakeholders coming together to improve processes and make it an easy transition for all involved,” according to the City of Fort Worth. Amid rising operating costs and flatlining revenue, which put the existing MedStar EMS at risk, the City began its quest to secure a viable EMS solution last year.
The comprehensive review by Fitch & Associates dissected all facets of EMS operations, including performance, staffing, fiscal health, and governance. Findings were shared in public meetings, leading to the development of an action plan that aims to sever interfacility transports from 911 services by privatizing them, shift governance to the City Council, and erect advisory boards to ensure a broad representation of interests. An agreement is in the works to regulate EMS service for member cities, while medical oversight will stay separated from the Fire Department.
Tackling the handover, Fitch & Associates has been tasked to spearhead this complex process that will unfold over the next 12 to 18 months. The transition includes establishing two advisory boards to support the EMS system, comprising an EMS Advisory Board and a Medical Control Board. Despite the overhaul, the City commits to ongoing talks with MedStar member cities to synchronize the upcoming changes.
