Austin-Travis County EMS 2024 Annual Report

OUR CHIEF

T.C. BROADNAX CITY MANAGER

robert luckritz ems chief

As City Manager, I have the privilege of serving alongside the dedicated professionals of Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Service (ATCEMS). Every day our ATCEMS clinicians and support staff serve this community with skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Their work is critical—not just in responding to emergencies, but in taking proactive steps to improve the health and well-being of all Austinites. ATCEMS is more than an emergency response agency; it is a lifeline for our city. From treating traumatic injuries to providing mental health support, their efforts go beyond the call of duty. This year, their work has been exceptional, especially in addressing the opioid crisis, their efforts surrounding mental health, and supporting our most vulnerable residents, all of which are

among the City’s top priorities. ATCEMS distributed over 3,500 naloxone rescue kits, equipping community members with the tools to prevent overdose deaths and save lives. Additionally, the department expanded access to treatment by increasing enrollment in the Buprenorphine Bridge Program (BBP) by 88%, offering critical support for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. These efforts reinforce our commitment to public health and ensure that those in crisis have a path to recovery. Through 15 Pop-Up Resource Clinics (PURCs) ATCEMS connected nearly 800 individuals experiencing homelessness with essential services, bridging the gap between medical care and social support. These clinics are a testament to our city’s dedication to providing

accessible, life-changing resources to those who need them the most. I am incredibly proud of the men and women of ATCEMS. Their dedication, innovative approach to care, and commitment to service make our community stronger and safer. I want to thank all our personnel for their hard work and devotion to our community. I also want to express my appreciation to the Mayor, City Council, and all our public safety partners for their continued support of ATCEMS and its vital mission. As we look ahead, we will continue to support and invest in our EMS professionals and the essential services they provide. Their work is a cornerstone of Austin’s public safety network, and we are grateful for all they do to serve this great city.

2024 marked another year of innovation, dedication, and growth for Austin-Travis County EMS. With a continued focus on our mission of fostering our community’s health and safety, we have strengthened our workforce, expanded life-saving programs, and enhanced access to critical resources for our most vulnerable populations. A key accomplishment this year was the hiring and training of 71 front-line staff members through four new hire academies. By recruiting, hiring, and retaining a talented, engaged, diverse, and inclusive workforce, we have improved our operational efficiency and strengthened our ability to meet the community’s needs. We still have work to do, but I am confident that our continued recruiting efforts will only bring more improvement in 2025. In our ongoing commitment to

advancing pre-hospital care, we expanded the Whole Blood Program to ensure a more equitable deployment of resources across the city. This program administered life-saving whole blood transfusions to over 300 critically ill or injured patients, significantly improving survival outcomes. Mental health remains a focal point of our response efforts. This year, our Mental Health Paramedics responded to over 3,200 incidents involving individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. By providing specialized response and intervention, we have reduced unnecessary law enforcement involvement and emergency room visits, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate care and support they need. These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering

dedication of our personnel, whose passion and commitment continue to drive our success. Their innovation and resilience are the backbone of ATCEMS, and I am incredibly proud to serve alongside them. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Mayor and City Council of the City of Austin, the Travis County Judge and Commissioner’s Court, and all of our public safety partners. Your continued support allows us to push boundaries, innovate, and provide the highest level of emergency medical care to our community. We remain fully committed to evolving with the needs of our growing city and ensuring that Austin-Travis County EMS remains a leader in emergency medical services. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership in this mission.

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

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WWW.AUSTINTEXAS.GOV/EMS