The ETMC EMS commitment to provide emergency service to East Texas began in 1968 in Tyler, Texas. An existing provider ceased operations and the ETMC System, then known as East Texas Hospital Foundation, agreed to accept responsibility for operating an ambulance service for Tyler and Smith County. The system first expanded in 1982 when EMS took over the operation of the ambulance service in Athens (Henderson County).
The operation of an EMS system is consistent with the overall long-term strategic commitment of the ETMC Regional Healthcare System to develop and operate programs which will extend healthcare throughout Central and East Texas.
Continued growth
Now in its 40th year, ETMC EMS is continuing to grow, providing the highest quality of emergency services. Our growth has included: the gradual expansion of area covering 17 counties. The area includes all of Smith, Ellis, Henderson, Houston, Kaufman, and Panola counties, as well as, parts of Anderson, Cherokee, Collin, Greg, Harris, McLennan, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood Counties. ETMC EMS is the second largest rural EMS provider in the nation. This year we expect to respond to 130,000 calls for service, resulting in more than 100,000 transports.
ETMC EMS has not simply expanded over the years; its services have constantly been upgraded and enhanced with the latest advances in medical technology. Years ago EMS simply brought patients to the emergency room. Now EMS takes the emergency room to the patients. The ambulances are referred to as "mobile intensive care units".
Air 1
The advent of Air 1 emergency helicopter in December of 1985 has broadened the role of ETMC EMS even further. Air 1 is an extension of and support unit for our ground units. We currently have two Air 1 helicopters.
Our Communications Center uses a state-of-the-art computer-aided dispatch system and an 800 megahertz Smart ZoneTM trunking system. The system links our fleet of ambulances, the two Air 1 helicopters and close to 550 employees.
For more information call 1-800-642-5646
