The Port Arthur City Council convened on August 7, 2025, for a workshop focused on emergency medical and ambulance services. The session aimed to provide council members with a comprehensive understanding of the operations and value of the city's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) within the fire department.

Marcin Nasoor, the EMS battalion chief, led the presentation, emphasizing the critical role of EMS personnel in responding to medical emergencies. He outlined that Port Arthur's fire department is fully staffed with 115 certified EMS personnel, all of whom are cross-trained in various levels of emergency medical care. This training allows them to respond swiftly to emergencies, providing initial assessments and life-saving interventions before transporting units arrive.

Nasoor highlighted that over 50% of the department's monthly calls are EMS-related, with a total of 6,247 calls recorded in the first half of the year, of which 3,340 were EMS calls. He stressed the importance of immediate life-saving responses, such as CPR and defibrillation, which can significantly impact patient outcomes.

The presentation also covered the department's commitment to continuous education and training for its personnel, partnering with local educational institutions to advance their skills from EMT basics to paramedics. This investment in training not only enhances the quality of care provided but also helps retain skilled staff.

Additionally, Nasoor discussed the integration of advanced life-saving technology, such as the NXT Auto Pulse, a mechanical CPR device that improves the quality of compressions during transport. This technology reflects the department's dedication to both patient outcomes and responder safety.

The workshop concluded with a call for a more comprehensive evaluation of the EMS system, considering factors such as patient outcomes and clinical quality alongside traditional response time metrics. The council's engagement in this discussion underscores the importance of effective emergency medical services in the community.