Fire Department officially welcomes over 600 MedStar employees as the EMS transition in Fort Worth becomes more concrete.
Breaking Traditions: Fort Worth Takes Over MedStar's EMS Operations
Things have moved faster than expected for George Church, a MedStar operations supervisor, as he watches the final details of Fort Worth's takeover of MedStar's EMS operations fall into place. The city will be providing its own emergency medical services (EMS) from July 1, replacing the 39-year-long contract with MedStar[1][2].
After a year of hard work, leaders from MedStar, the fire department, and union representatives expressed optimism that the new branch of the fire department will be fully operational by the deadline[2]. While there's a bit of anxiety all around, things are progressing nicely, according to Church, who has been with MedStar for 35 years[2].
Behind the scenes, city staff mass-hired over 650 MedStar EMTs who're transitioning to new roles within Fort Worth[1]. Since May 1, these new hires have been sworn into the fire department, signed onto city and union benefits, and fitted into uniforms[1].
The city has also integrated its radio system with MedStar's to ensure seamless communication between the two teams[1]. The first meeting of the new EMS Advisory Board took place on May 8, featuring representatives from various Tarrant County fire departments[1].
Residents may not notice any change in EMS service, except for improved attitudes, faster call response times, new uniforms, and redesigned ambulances[2]. In its first year, the new EMS department has a projected annual cost of $87.6 million, with most of this offset by the projected $65 million in annual revenue[2]. The gap of around $22.8 million is primarily due to staffing costs, pensions, and health care benefits that the city will now take on[2].
For the initial transition, approximately 26 ambulances will be replaced, with around nine ambulance replacements and retrofits expected annually in subsequent years[2]. Fort Worth is also installing oxygen refilling stations in all its fire stations for the EMT ambulances[2].
MedStar's local operations generated around $60 million in annual revenue - a figure that Fort Worth officials expect to continue receiving through the city's operations[1]. Around 60% of this revenue came from Medicare or Medicaid reimbursements, with 10-20% from private insurance and up to 22% from out-of-pocket payments[1].
Fire Chief Jim Davis emphasized that operating healthcare services at a deficit is nothing new, and that billing patients and insurance help offset costs, but rarely cover the entire operation[2]. On May 23, after a day of onboarding an estimated 236 MedStar EMTs, Davis led them in an oath to Fort Worth, marking a significant step in the transition[2].
While skepticism initially filled the air when Fort Worth announced the EMS transition, employees from both MedStar and the fire department soon adopted a "wait and see" attitude as leaders presented a collaborative approach to the takeover[2]. The relationship between the two entities has historically been contentious, but both sides seem to be working hard to shift this mentality[2].
Zac Shaffer, president of the union representing firefighters, has been focusing on integrating the new employees, reinforcing a message of workplace equality between the old and new teams[3]. He believes that when everyone feels like part of a team, they deliver better service in an emergency[3].
The transition hasn't happened organically; it's required intentional effort to break down barriers and build a collaborative atmosphere[3]. Union leaders have made a point to communicate openly with both sides, ensuring that everyone is on the same page[3].
As employees transition into their new roles, spirits remain high. While emotions have ranged from tiredness to excitement, pessimism and discouragement seem to be absent[2]. It seems that this historic change may mark a new era of collaboration and improved emergency medical services in Fort Worth.
[1] Fort Worth Report, 2025[2] Author's thoughts and interpretations based on the provided article[3] Enrichment data to provide additional insight into workplace dynamics and union efforts
The government's takeover of MedStar's EMS operations, as announced by Fort Worth, has led to a shift in the financial landscape of the city's emergency services. The projected annual cost of $87.6 million for the new EMS department includes expenses such as staffing costs, pensions, and health care benefits, with a substantial portion of the revenue expected to come from Medicare, Medicaid reimbursements, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments.
In light of the upcoming change, the news of the city government's involvement in finance and business operations of emergency services is causing ripples within the community, as both MedStar employees and fire department representatives work together to adapt and collaborate towards a successful transition.
