Harris Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department combines the latest technology and innovation to transport patients by ambulance, critical care ground transport, or wheelchair-accessible vehicles to Harris Health facilities and local hospitals.
The team, made up of skilled and expert physicians, nurses, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who are passionate about supporting Harris Health and its patients.
The department’s mission is to provide the highest quality, most reliable and patient-centered EMS service in Harris County.
This service—which began in 2000 with two ambulances—now staffs more than 40 personnel and maintains a fleet of 11 ambulances and support vehicles.
Services
Basic Life Support Unit
Harris Health’s Basic Life Support (BLS) Unit is staffed by two EMTs and equipped with the latest medical equipment to assist in caring for patients during transport. The EMTs are trained in administering BLS in case of medical emergencies.
Medical Intensive Care Unit
The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) transports critical patients experiencing strokes, trauma and heart attacks. The MICU has a qualified paramedic to care for the patients in transport.
Critical Care Transport Unit
Critical Care Transport Unit (CCTU) comprises an EMT, a paramedic and a certified registered nurse. The team transports critically ill patients with continuous and specialized procedures to locations that can provide patients with vital services.
Standby
Harris Health’s EMS team provides first aid and basic life support for various events. The team is prepared to provide medical attention when needed.
Outreach
Although Harris Health’s EMS transports patients regularly, the team also supports the system and community in other ways by providing blood pressure and glucose checks at various outreach events. During the COVID pandemic, the team partnered with Harris Health’s House Call Program to offer COVID-19 vaccines to house-bound patients.
Contact Information
Dr. Hashim Q. Zaidi
Medical Director, EMS and Transfer Center, Harris Health
Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School
Hashim.Zaidi@harrishealth.org
Richard Russell, LP, FP_C
Manager, Emergency Medical Services
Richard.Russell@harrishealth.org
Join the team
Want to join Harris Health’s EMS and Critical Care Transport team? When you do, you join the Harris Health family and have the opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to elevating the well-being of our community.
We recruit team members that thrive in fast-paced environments and who believe in sharing the best of themselves with our patients. If you’re ready for a career with a purpose, explore what Harris Health has to offer you:
- Medical and dental benefits
- 401k with employer matching
- Uniform provided after 90 days
- Tuition reimbursement
- Progressive patient care guidelines
- Stryker power load stretchers
- McGrath video laryngoscope
- Lucas device
- Various shifts available