Some worry Hays County ESD shake-up will lead to service slips

HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – After a Hays County Emergency Services District decided to break with San Marcos Hays County Emergency Medical Services (SMHCEMS) – the largest provider of emergency services in the county – some are concerned this may lead to gaps in services. 

North Hays County EMS – which primarily serves Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Henly – decided to terminate its contract with SMHCEMS, citing the area's explosive growth and concern over leadership within SMCEMS. 

“We've been kind of slowly moving towards [becoming independent]. In the past year or two, there have been some events – some issues – that have cropped up and led to this being a more palatable decision for us,” Bob Luddy, North Hays County EMS’ new chief, said. 

“We believe that we're going to be able to provide a higher level of service at the same or relatively same price point to our citizens,” Luddy said. 

While Luddy and his board think seceding from SMHCEMS was the best move for its jurisdiction, Zack Phillips, the president of the Hays County EMS association, said he believes this action could negatively impact the people in the region. 

“They've never provided services previously, so it's untested,” Phillips said. “Starting an EMS service is relatively simple, but maintaining it is going to be the bigger challenge.”

Phillips said he believes without the support of SMHCEMS, he thinks people may be stuck waiting longer for EMS during busier periods. 

“[EMS] is not an easy business. And at the end of the day, if you fail, people can die,” Phillips said. “It's concerning.”

While SMHCEMS is the largest EMS provider in the county, it is not the sole entity. Both Buda and Wimberly have independently operated ESDs.

“Emergency medical services in Hays County have been fractured for a number of years,” Luddy said. 

“I think this is a very good move for the [North Hays County EMS]. I think it's a necessary move to continue growing for our citizens,” he said.