September 29, 2025

On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flooding struck the Texas Hill Country, leaving behind devastation and claiming at least 135 lives. Kerr County, located in the heart of the affected region, was one of the hardest hit areas. Local emergency systems were quickly overwhelmed, prompting a statewide response through the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (EMTF). As a partner of the EMTF, Acadian Ambulance Texas immediately mobilized its resources to provide critical medical support. Acadian’s efforts ranged from frontline emergency response to long-term community aid, making a significant impact during this historic disaster.

PRE-EVENT PLANNING
The Texas EMTF exists to coordinate disaster medical responses when local jurisdictions can no longer meet demand. It brings together EMS agencies, hospitals, Regional Advisory Councils (RACs), the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management into a unified system of support. 

Acadian Ambulance had already committed resources and personnel to the EMTF before the flood; their crews were positioned to deploy rapidly once Kerr County requested outside assistance. This readiness included ambulances, specially trained teams, and the Texas Ambus (MPV 6-04), a large multi-patient transport vehicle capable of handling complex missions in disaster zones. Dr. Emily Kidd, Acadian’s Texas Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer for the EMTF, played a dual leadership role in coordinating medical strategy and supporting both responders and residents during the crisis.

ALONG THE COURSE
Acadian deployed multiple ambulances, numerous crew members, and the Texas Ambus to Kerr County. Crews assisted with triage of rescued victims, emergency response, responder rehabilitation, and patient transfers from Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville. Their role quickly expanded as they embedded with Texas TIFMAS fire crews and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams across the region. Missions included supporting search-and-rescue operations, providing medical coverage in devastated areas like Hunt and Center Point, and even assisting with a nursing home evacuation in San Saba.

“I have gotten multiple wonderful comments from local, state, and EMTF leaders about our Acadian team members and how professional, helpful, and invaluable they have been during this tragedy,” said Dr. Kidd. “I am so proud of this Acadian deployment team and the willingness of our leadership to send so many assets to help our fellow Texans!”

The Texas Ambus played a particularly vital role, remaining stationed in Kerr County to provide medical care, responder support, and community vaccinations. Acadian crews administered more than 130 tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations to responders, volunteers, and residents, protecting them from post-flood health risks. Acadian’s deployment stretched beyond Kerrville as well, with one crew temporarily staging in College Station for potential flooding

CONCLUSION
Acadian Ambulance’s response during the Kerr County flood of 2025 highlighted the importance of pre-established partnerships and rapid deployment capability. Being part of the EMTF made it possible for Acadian to jump right in, help save lives, support first responders, and provide care for the community. More than just the logistics, our team showed compassion, professionalism, and resilience every step of the way, earning appreciation from local leaders, state officials, and national representatives. Operations Coordinators Robert Crane, Kirby Myers, and Operations Supervisor Vic Gonzales played a part in helping organize our strike team members, getting them out the door quickly, and managing them for days.