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Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 3 is moving forward with plans to expand ambulance service across the area, with more units already in place and a new provider agreement nearing completion.
During the June 3 City Council meeting, ESD No. 3 Commissioner Keith Simpson gave an update on the district’s progress, noting that the interlocal agreement establishing the EMS overlay has been finalized. He said the district is working to complete its provider agreement with Acadian Ambulance and currently has an extension in place.
“We’ve worked hard to get that in place,” Simpson added. “We’re working diligently to get the provider agreement finalized—we’re very close.”
According to Simpson, a fifth 24-hour ambulance has already been added to the system, stationed at Bastrop County ESD No. 4 on Texas 95. That unit can provide backup coverage for the Elgin area as needed, he said. Two 12-hour peak-load ambulances have also been deployed—one operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the other from noon to midnight.
“Those units will be able to backfill into the system and provide coverage as units are used to make transports into Austin,” Simpson said.
A new membership program offering air medical transport for county residents without out-of-pocket costs has also been introduced, according to the district. Commissioners approved the transfer of Bastrop County’s EMS contract to ESD No. 3 earlier this year, following a November election in which voters backed the district’s formation. Officials have said the goal is to increase ambulance coverage, reduce response times and improve the overall emergency medical system for the area.
Acadian Ambulance, which has served the county under a zero- subsidy model, is expected to continue operating under the expanded contract. Plans call for seven ambulances—five operating 24 hours a day and two during peak hours—plus a full-time clinical supervisor.
“We’re excited to collaborate with ESD No. 3 on a service model that will increase capacity and improve patient care,” said Ron Quaranto, regional vice president for Acadian.
