Fort Worth outlines July transfer of MedStar EMS to fire department, plans 9‑1‑1 consolidation and tech upgrades

Fire Chief Jim Davis said the city is preparing for an anticipated July 1 transfer of MedStar emergency medical services into the Fort Worth Fire Department as part of a multi‑year effort to improve response times and system reliability.

The move follows a 2023 review by outside consultants and an EMS ad hoc committee that recommended a single‑role EMS civil service position, consolidation of dispatch for fire and EMS, and creation of two advisory boards. “MedStar has operated as the single service provider for the city of Fort Worth in 13 member cities for the last 30 years,” Davis said, describing a months‑long implementation effort that will change how ambulances, billing and communications are managed.

Why it matters: City leaders said the reorganization aims to reduce unit‑hour utilization, improve response times and place clinical oversight with a newly formed medical director’s office. The city projects a net fiscal impact as it absorbs pension and benefit costs and hires additional operational staff.

Budget and staffing: Davis said the fiscal impact of the transition could reach about $21 million, with roughly $16 million of that tied to pension and health care costs. The plan includes…