DeSoto Fire Department plans fourth ambulance and implements new squad response strategy

In a recent special meeting of the DeSoto City Council held on July 14, 2025, discussions centered around enhancing emergency response capabilities, particularly through the fire department. The meeting highlighted two significant proposals aimed at improving response times and addressing the increasing call volume faced by the city's fire services.

One of the primary proposals discussed was the introduction of a fourth ambulance to be stationed full-time at a fire station, strategically located near the hospital district, which is identified as the busiest area for emergency calls. This addition aims to ensure that emergency services can respond more quickly to incidents, thereby improving overall public safety.

Additionally, the council explored the implementation of a "squad" vehicle, which operates alongside existing fire apparatus. This smaller vehicle, equipped with essential medical equipment but unable to transport patients, allows for faster response times to emergencies. The squad can assist ambulances when they are occupied or further away, thus alleviating pressure on larger fire trucks and reducing wear and tear on these costly vehicles.

The meeting also addressed the concept of a "blocker truck," a service provided by a towing company that would respond to accidents on highways, allowing fire engines to remain available for other emergencies. This initiative is expected to save both time and resources, as it prevents the need to deploy expensive fire trucks to accident scenes.

Council members expressed concerns about the city's high call volume, which significantly exceeds that of neighboring cities. In 2024, DeSoto's fire department responded to 11,802 calls, compared to 7,370 in Duncanville and 8,308 in Cedar Hill. This disparity raises questions about the city's capacity to manage its emergency services effectively, especially given the growing senior population, which may contribute to the increased demand for medical assistance.

The council is also awaiting the outcome of a SAFER grant application, which, if awarded, would provide funding for additional personnel in the fire department. This grant could help address staffing shortages and improve response times further.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, council members emphasized the importance of regular updates on the effectiveness of the new programs and their impact on response times. The discussions reflect a proactive approach to ensuring that DeSoto's emergency services can meet the needs of its residents effectively, particularly in light of the increasing demands on the fire department.