What is 'fire-based EMS,' and how will it change ambulance response?

With AMR exiting in September, local governments across Doña Ana County are launching a fire-based EMS system — adding more ambulances and faster response times.

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - As the region prepares to phase out its longtime contract with American Medical Response, local governments are transitioning to a fire-based EMS model — a system where ambulance transport and emergency medical care are handled directly by public fire departments instead of private contractors.

🔹 What changes for residents?

• Who responds: Firefighters, many of whom are already trained EMTs, will now also handle ambulance transport, not just first response.
• More vehicles: The combined plan adds nearly twice as many ambulances as AMR previously fielded in the region.
• Faster care: Officials say response times should improve, with more units available at all hours — including in rural areas.
• Coverage is regional: Fire departments in Las Cruces, Doña Ana County, Sunland Park and Mesilla will back each other up. The closest available unit will respond, no matter the agency.

🔹 Will I still be billed for an ambulance ride?

Yes. Under the new model, each agency will bill Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance for transports — just as AMR did. The County says this revenue will help cover the cost of EMT staffing and equipment.

🔹 What about Hatch and Anthony?

Those areas don’t operate their own fire departments, so Doña Ana County Fire & Rescue will continue to cover them, as it has in the past. Officials say response times in those communities should remain steady.