Transition

June 01, 2011

Harris County Emergency Corps

2800 Aldine Bender Rd.Houston, TX 77032
Phone (281) 449-3131
Fax (281) 227-3335

Contacts: Mark SmithPhone: (281) 449-3131

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 A.M., June 1, 2011

Press Release

HARRIS COUNTY EMERGENCY CORPS BEGINS OPERATIONS IN NORTH HARRIS COUNTY

HOUSTON, TX, June 1, 2011:  Today, the Harris County Emergency Corps ran calls for the first time in over ten years in Northern Harris County.  At 6 a.m., the reincarnation of the oldest emergency medical services (EMS) organization in Texas began operating again in Harris County Emergency Services District No. 1.

The original Harris County Emergency Corps was formed in 1927 and served Harris County as its first EMS provider.  Unfortunately, it was forced to shutter the operation in the late 1990s.  However, Commissioners and employees at Harris County Emergency Services District No. 1 decided to revive the organization so that it could again serve the citizens of the county.

“We believe this organization and this model of operations is the best way to go,” Jeremy Hyde, President and EMS Director of the Corps, said.  “When the ESD 1 Commissioners approached us about creating a non-profit to run the day-to-day operations, it just made sense to revive the Corps.”

Harris County ESD 1 is providing much of the initial funding of the operation of the Corps and has agreed for the Corps to be its EMS service provider.  This arrangement will allow the Corps to become more efficient and pursue additional opportunities as they arise.

“As a non-profit provider, we can seek additional business outside the boundaries of ESD 1,” Heath White, Vice President of Operations for the Corps, said.  “Any additional revenue we can generate should mean better equipment, higher pay, and more stability for our operations in ESD 1.”

Based on historical trends, the Corps will respond to approximately 20,000 911 ambulance calls each year for ESD 1 alone.  A staff of approximately 120 paid and volunteer EMTs provides the service for these calls.

“Our people are the real difference for our organization,” Mark Smith, Vice President of Administration and General Counsel, said.  “We have so many talented and highly skilled people.  With so many quality employees, I have no doubt we will find a way to succeed and become one of the top EMS agencies in Texas.”