By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• A staffing shortage in a Texas EMS system has led to a pilot program where medics remain at the station overnight and sleep on cots between shifts.
• The change was implemented by Williamson County EMS to address gaps in coverage as staffing fell below target levels.
• Under the pilot, crews work longer shifts with designated rest periods at the station to maintain ambulance availability.
• Local union officials and county leaders are monitoring the program’s impact on employee fatigue and service delivery.
GEORGETOWN, TX — Williamson County EMS has implemented a pilot scheduling program that requires medics to remain at the station overnight and rest on provided cots as part of efforts to maintain ambulance coverage amid a staffing shortage, officials said.
The shift change was introduced after the agency experienced staffing levels below its standard targets, prompting leaders to explore strategies to ensure immediate response availability, according to county statements.
Under the pilot, crews work extended shifts with designated on-duty rest periods at the station, where cots have been provided for sleep between call responses, officials said.
County leadership and representatives from the local firefighters and EMS union said they will monitor the program’s effects on provider fatigue, morale, and patient care outcomes during the trial period.
Officials have not yet announced a timeline for completing evaluation of the pilot or decisions about broader implementation if the program continues.