More county EMS services available in Round Rock due to growth
ROUND ROCK, Texas - Williamson County EMS launched the newest ambulance set to service the City of Round Rock 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"What we’ve seen over the past two years is that we have had a 25 percent increase in call volume in the Round Rock area. So with that increase in call volume, it necessitated us moving an ambulance and also adding that 24-hour ambulance," said Williamson County EMS Director Mike Knipstein.
Starting Wednesday, Sept 6, there will be a second 24-hour ambulance and six medics available at the EMS station at 1781 E. Old Settlers Blvd, next to the county's J.B. and Hallie Jester Annex.
WilCo EMS is also partnering with the Round Rock Fire Department to put an ambulance at Station 6 at 2919 Joe Dimaggio Blvd by Dell Diamond.
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"We will have more ambulances roaming the streets so to speak to answer calls of service and most importantly it will help us with response time. We are anticipating that by adding these ambulances in the Round Rock area in particular, that we will be able to decrease or response times probably by 2 to 4 minutes," said Knipstein.
The EMS director says the average response time is currently around eight and a half minutes.
"It will be easier for us if they can come fast than that, like the 2 to 3 minutes you know, sometimes they have serious problems like heart issues or burning the house the gas burst or anything. If we get the 2 to 3 minutes that will be quicker than the 8 minutes," says Pam Paudel, who lives in Round Rock.
Knipstein says there were six additional first responders hired and the cost to add the new ambulance was near $800,000, approved through commissioners court last year.
The county says these changes and additions are part of a strategic plan to maintain excellent EMS coverage in partnership with the city of Round Rock. Call volume in the Round Rock area has increased by almost 30% over the past five years.
Williamson County EMS has 23 response resources throughout the county and 151 field providers.