Austin EMS Association

09/12/2026

Commissioner Timothy Ruttan questioned why the recommendations did not directly address workload and scheduling.

"I worry that if we don't do something addressing what is the true root cause of the burnout and the stress, that we're not really going to fix the problem," Ruttan said.

Thank you Commissioner Ruttan for asking the most important question.

Our workload and scheduling problems cannot be fixed without addressing our staffing.

Staffing cannot be addressed without addressing the disparity in compensation and retirement in comparison to our public safety colleagues.

Pay parity and an attainable retirement would get us much closer to fixing our core problems.

It's up to Austin's leadership to decide whether to address the problem or to continue pretending that it doesn't exist. Maintaining a world class EMS system requires investment in the people who keep it running every day.

An Austin audit found workload, sleep loss and cumulative stress are straining public safety workers and recommended stronger mental health support. https://mrf.lu/232nR

07/13/2026

We have been sounding the alarm for the last decade while our medics continue to be overworked and exhausted. In 2016 we were looking at a 13% vacancy rate... Today we're at 18%.

Although we have made some progress, it hasn't been enough to compensate for the continued increase in workload and clinical responsibility. We continue to see medics struggle with burnout and fatigue, causing them to leave the department and often the profession entirely.

Peer support and employee assistance programs aren't going to solve the problem.

More resources, better compensation, and an attainable retirement are necessary to solve the problem. We're too frequently losing the talents of experienced and compassionate medics that have served this community with excellence.

We look forward to working with City leadership to address these issues. Austin-Travis County EMS is a national leader in EMS and our medics are the ones that make that possible. They deserve to be treated as such.

Austin Chronicle City of Austin Government Kirk Watson

Former EMS Union Leader Says First Responders Are Overworked

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

This past weekend, members of the Austin EMS Association had the opportunity to attend the Labor Notes Conference, one of the largest gatherings of Association members and organizers from across the country.

Throughout the conference, we participated in workshops and discussions focused on strengthening member engagement, improving workplace conditions, and building stronger, more effective Associations. We had the chance to learn directly from others who have successfully organized, advocated for change, and delivered real results for their members.

We’re bringing these ideas and strategies back as we gear up for bargaining. Our main goal in mind is to continue to improve our workplace and better serve our membership.

Take a look at some highlights from the weekend below!

05/15/2026

Proud of Clinical Specialist Peña and our Communications medics for the work they do every day! Solid work y'all! 💪

04/17/2026

Celebrating Telecommunications Week with our amazing Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services dispatchers and call takers who are on the front lines receiving calls, dispatching, and helping citizens during their time of need! They really are the backbone of this organization!

04/16/2026

Way to go Commander Fitzpatrick!

This takes us to an on-scene call with Field Commander B. Fitzpatrick when he was just a rookie! Can y'all name the other medic with Cmdr. Fitpatrick? Fun fact, Commander Fitzpatrick is currently our highest tenured Field Commander with over 30 years at ATCEMS. Who remembers when Fitz was a rookie?

03/13/2026

is Hiring!

Details:
Applications:
Close: Monday, April 20th, 2026, at 12pm CST
Academy Starts: October 2026
Positions Hiring for: Cadet-Field, Cadet-Communications, Direct Hire-Clinical Specialist.
Additional Info & Insights:
The minimum qualifications for field have added requirements:
Minimum Qualifications for Cadet - Communications and Field
Must be 18 years or older (no upper age limit) Must read, write, and speak English
And the following:
Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT-B) or higher
• Must be eligible for employment in the U.S.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for minimum 2 years
• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• 2 years of public facing customer service experience. (public facing customer service is defined as any role in which a person interacts with the public and/or patients in an employment setting, including but not limited to medical/healthcare roles, retail, hospitality, education, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications for Direct Hire Clinical Specialist Field:
Must be 18 years or older (no upper age limit). Must read, write, and speak English.
And the following:
Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P) or Licensed Paramedic (LP)- You must also have one (1) year of 9-1-1 EMS Transport or Critical Care Transport, full-time clinical ALS experience, while certified at the level of EMT-P or LP, including but not limited to:
• Must be eligible for employment in the U.S.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for minimum 2 years
• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED
• 2 years of public-facing customer service experience (Public-facing customer service experience is defined as any role in which a person interacts with the public and/or patients in an employment setting, including but not limited to medical/healthcare roles, retail, hospitality, education, etc.)

For more information and to apply:
Link in Bio or Visit:
https://www.austintexas.gov/emsrecruiting/careers

03/02/2026

The Austin EMS Association is sponsoring a blood drive with our friends at We Are Blood along with Council Member Zohaib Qadri to support those impacted by the 6th street shooting.

Thank you to everyone for the outpouring of support and if you're available to donate today please stop on by to benefit a good cause!

03/01/2026

This morning at approximately 2:00 a.m., Austin-Travis County EMS responded alongside Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department to a critical incident involving a shooting at the 700 block of West 6th Street.

Within 57 seconds, CASTMED and DTAC medics were on scene and immediately initiated advanced life-saving interventions. Additional ambulances were rapidly deployed to ensure sufficient personnel and resources for patient care and scene support.

We mourn this tragic loss of life and hope for the swift recovery of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families affected by this senseless violence.

We are also immensely proud of our ATCEMS medics and public safety partners who answered the call without hesitation while performing their duties with professionalism and precision.