In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Chief Walter Morrow and Assistant Chief Rhonda Ritchey of Austin County EMS, who take us inside the world of rural emergency medical services and the people who keep it running 24/7.
Chief Morrow and Assistant Chief Ritchey shed light on what it takes to manage EMS operations across more than 650 square miles, balancing everything from high-acuity trauma calls to public education and volunteer coordination. They explain the layered structure of Austin County EMS, the challenges of covering such a wide area, and the critical role of partnerships with volunteer fire departments and local law enforcement.
Listeners will hear how their team prepares for everything from house calls to major incidents, the growing role of technology and data in emergency response, and the ways they combat burnout in a high-stress profession. Through it all, their message is clear: every call matters, and every patient deserves to be treated like family.
Episode Highlights:
⏰ 00:00 – Meet Chief Walter Morrow and Assistant Chief Rhonda Ritchey
⏰ 02:00 – EMS structure and Austin County’s contract service model
⏰ 04:30 – Staffing, logistics, and the size of the coverage area
⏰ 07:00 – Public training: CPR classes, AED access, and education outreach
⏰ 09:30 – The EMS role in multi-agency emergency response
⏰ 12:20 – Planning for rare emergencies like school bus incidents
⏰ 15:45 – Mental health, compassion fatigue, and supporting the team
⏰ 18:10 – Using data to improve response times and service
⏰ 21:00 – The importance of treating every patient with dignity and care
⏰ 24:30 – Final reflections on what keeps them motivated
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