Mid City Times

The City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Firefighters Association have made progress toward a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) model. On December 3, they reached a tentative agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement (MOU).

Currently, MedStar provides ambulance services to several cities in Tarrant County. The new agreement would enable the City to hire MedStar's emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics into the Fort Worth Fire Department. This move aims to initiate a new EMS program and enhance community services.

“This agreement marks a turning point in creating an EMS system for Fort Worth and the cities that will receive services through the EMS system,” said Dana Burghdoff, Fort Worth assistant city manager. “It’s all about creating stability, improving working conditions and providing top-notch emergency care to our community.”

The decision follows years of discussions on strengthening Fort Worth's EMS system. Leaders aim for a unified approach where fire and medical services operate under one department. This integration seeks to ensure that EMS is financially sustainable, responsive, timely, and focused on high-quality patient care.

In May 2024, the Fort Worth City Council approved transitioning EMS services into the Fire Department. An update session is scheduled for January 14, with a final vote by the City Council set for January 28.