Van Zandt County leaders question CHRISTUS EMS over breach of ambulance contract

Van Zandt County officials are taking decisive action to address ongoing concerns regarding emergency medical services (EMS) in the region. During the Van Zandt Commissioners Regular Meeting on July 1, 2025, discussions centered on the performance of Christus EMS, which has faced criticism for failing to meet contractual obligations, particularly regarding response times and ambulance availability.

Commissioners expressed frustration over Christus EMS's inability to consistently provide timely service, with response times reportedly averaging over 16 minutes—well above the contractual requirement of under 15 minutes. This has raised alarms among local fire departments and community members, who rely on prompt EMS responses for critical situations.

Dwayne Collins, a local fireman, highlighted the inadequacies of Christus EMS, noting that the service has not fulfilled its commitments since its contract began in 2019. He emphasized the urgency of having an ambulance stationed in Precinct 2, which currently lacks dedicated coverage. The absence of an ambulance in this area has been a significant concern, especially as the aging population increases the demand for emergency services.

In response to these issues, the commissioners discussed the possibility of notifying Christus EMS of a breach of contract. They considered sending a formal notice outlining the deficiencies and the county's intent to explore alternative EMS providers if improvements are not made. The contract stipulates a six-month notice period for termination, which the county may invoke if necessary.

The meeting also included input from various stakeholders, including fire department representatives, who echoed the need for reliable EMS coverage. The consensus among attendees was clear: the health and safety of the community depend on immediate action to rectify the current service shortfalls.

As the county moves forward, officials are committed to ensuring that emergency services meet the needs of Van Zandt residents. The next steps will involve further discussions with Christus EMS and potential exploration of other service options to guarantee timely and effective emergency response for the community.