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ESD9 to start local EMS operations April 1; council hears plans for phased rollout
Summary
Emergency Service District 9 told Kyle council it will begin providing EMS April 1 with an initial unit at Station 21 and follow-on medic units through August; ESD9 said units will operate at MICU level, include improved protocols, mechanical ventilators on ambulances and prehospital whole blood.
ESD9 officials told the Kyle City Council on March 3 that the district will assume emergency medical services in the Kyle area beginning April 1.
What ESD9 announced Pedro Hernandez (assistant chief) and ESD9 chiefs said the district plans a phased rollout: the first ambulance will staff Station 21 on April 1 with additional units entering service on May 1, June 1, and August 1. The system aims for MICU-level response with at least one paramedic per truck and eventual dual‑paramedic staffing.
Clinical advances and training Chief Brandon Hill and clinical lead Rick Miracle outlined clinical improvements that ESD9 will introduce: updated protocols approved by the system medical director, mechanical ventilators placed on ambulances, advanced cardiac monitors, and a program to carry prehospital whole blood. ESD9 said staff training and onboarding began in March with periodic classes and shared continuing education open to Kyle Fire and Police personnel.
Staffing and community relationships ESD9 said it will recruit local talent and collaborate with Austin Community College (ACC) programs and nearby school district career pathways to build a paramedic pipeline. Council members asked about response times, continuity with hospital partners, and how the ESD would avoid service gaps during the transition; ESD9 said it expects no coverage gaps and will maintain minimum staffing levels while offering mutual-aid support regionally.
Ending ESD9 will host a community open house and ceremonial switch-over April 11 at Station 21, including a swearing-in and public demonstration; council welcomed the district’s commitment to training and clinical upgrades.
