UT Health East Texas EMS

03/09/2026

03/06/2026

Paramedic Briana Von Bargen and EMT MaRyan Owens are more than first responders — they treat every patient like family.

On a recent welfare check, they found an elderly woman who seemed confused and alone. Instead of leaving, they stayed to make sure she was safe. They called her daughter, set up her Life Alert device, checked her vitals, made her favorite oatmeal with bananas, kept her hydrated and comfortable and even tidied the kitchen until family arrived.

Her daughter later called to praise the care they provided — the kind of compassion that defines UT Health EMS.

Even through storms, floods and tough days, Briana and MaRyan say they wouldn’t trade this work for anything.

“Now I have the tools to do more for others — and that’s what matters.”

03/04/2026

UT Health East Texas EMS has added brand-new LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitor/defibrillators and LUCAS Chest Compression Systems to our frontline ambulances — a major step forward in bringing the most advanced lifesaving technology directly to the communities we serve.
These upgrades give our paramedics faster access to critical patient data, more precise treatment options, and consistent, high‑quality CPR during cardiac arrest — even while transporting patients.

This more than $2 million investment reflects our mission to deliver the highest level of emergency care when it matters most. Learn more at the link in the comments.

02/19/2026

UT Health East Texas EMS welcomes new caregivers to the team! They are finishing orientation and will begin their field training across our service areas. Pictured from left to right are EMT Savannah Urbina, EMT Hunter Williams, EMT Andrew Longmire, EMT Zachary Styacich, EMT Holly Stadelmann, EMT James Clark, EMT Kaitlyn Mandarich, EMT Darrell Horton, EMT Caleb Caruso and EMT Aiden Jacobs.

If you or someone you know is interested in a career with UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1, learn more at the link in the comments.

02/18/2026

The City Council of Henderson voted to renew its contract with UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1 for EMS services, continuing a successful ten-year partnership serving the community.

UT Health East Texas EMS is truly honored to receive this contract renewal from the City of Henderson. We’re grateful for the trust placed in our team and we remain committed to delivering exceptional EMS services to the community we proudly serve.” John Smith, UT Health EMS/AIR 1 CEO

01/28/2026

When winter weather hit, our teams answered the call. ❄️🚑

A huge thank-you to UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1 — from dispatch and scheduling to fleet maintenance, resupply and beyond — for supporting our paramedic and EMT crews responding to 911 calls.

We’re also grateful for our community partners — fire departments, ESDs, city and county leaders, law enforcement and many others — working together to serve our communities.
Teamwork makes the difference. Thank you!

01/23/2026

UT Health East Texas EMS welcomes new caregivers to the team! They are finishing orientation and will begin their field training across our service areas. Pictured from left to right are EMT Jason Hargrave, EMT Lucas Robbins, EMT Shawn Smith, EMT Vayden Newell, Paramedic Joselyn Reid, EMT David Ingram, Paramedic Allison Ravelli, EMT Kassidy Watson, EMT John Ayres, EMT Ryan Martin, EMT Chayann Garcia, EMT Caleb Rountree, EMT Jacob Sims, EMT Brooke Reynolds, EMT Jac Few, EMT Trystan Hopkins, EMT Adam Sirmans and EMT Robert Huff. If you or someone you know is interested in a career with UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1, learn more at jobs.ardenthealth.com/ut-texas-ems.

01/05/2026

Please join UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1 in congratulating UT Health East Texas EMS Regional Director Todd Loper, who was recognized as a Business Leader/Employer by the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for his outstanding support of the U.S. National Guard and Reserve Forces. Todd was presented with the certificate and pin by LTC (Ret.) Ronnie Clayton, ESGR Area 12 Chair.

Thank you, Todd, for fostering a supportive workplace that not only strengthens our mission at UT Health East Texas EMS, but also honors and supports those who serve our nation.

12/19/2025

For 40 years, UT Health East Texas AIR 1 has been answering the call when every second matters. As the first air ambulance service in East Texas, AIR 1 took its very first flight in December 1985—transporting a burn patient to Dallas and launching a legacy of life-saving care that continues today. From major trauma and motor vehicle accidents to heart attacks, strokes, and high-risk adult, pediatric and neonatal transports, AIR 1 delivers rapid, expert care to patients across our region—often at the most critical moments. Today, we proudly celebrate four decades of service, skill and dedication to the communities we serve. Here’s to the crews who make every mission count.

12/10/2025

Follow us on Instagram!

12/10/2025

UT Health East Texas had a holly-jolly time supporting The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign on Tuesday, ringing the bell at the Broadway Crossing Chick-fil-A and spreading holiday cheer! Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared a smile and donated — your kindness helps brighten the season for families in need. UT Health EMS/AIR 1 is also joining in the fun through the First Responders Bell-Ringing Challenge, a friendly holiday competition to see which of Tyler’s first responder teams can raise the most support. Feeling festive and want to help? You can donate to the UT Health EMS virtual red kettle by clicking the link in the comments below.

12/08/2025

UT Health East Texas EMS welcomes new caregivers to the team! They are finishing orientation and will begin their field training across our service areas. Pictured from left to right: EMT Tyler Vinh, EMT Terra Turrin, EMT Jacob Maldonado, EMT Abby Smith and Paramedic Wade Spade. If you or someone you know is interested in a career with UT Health East Texas EMS/AIR 1, learn more at the link in the comments below.