The department is rolling out a pilot program that helps decide which calls do not require an ambulance staffed with two paramedics.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) is changing how the department sends paramedics to calls.
The department is rolling out a pilot program that helps decide which calls do not require an ambulance staffed with two paramedics.
Instead, one paramedic would respond in an SUV that has the same equipment as an ambulance.
“As we think about how we build our system out, much of our system is dependent on ambulances,” ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz said. “So we want to find that right balance recognizing that only about 55% of our patients actually go to the hospital. So if we have better resources, we can build a better system and a more efficient system.”
Luckritz said emergency calls that are considered “critical” will always receive an ambulance.
The pilot program will begin by setting aside four ambulances and using six SUVs, although that number could change as the program develops.