info@dcfire.org
(405) 216-0665Edmond, Oklahoma — The Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) will cease to be the
primary ambulance provider for the unincorporated areas of Oklahoma County as of 11:59
p.m. Dec. 31, 2023. This change affects the Deer Creek Fire Protection District (DCFPD) and the
Oak Cliff Fire Protection District (OCFPD) in Logan County. However, it will not impact EMSA
services within Oklahoma City or Edmond city limits. American Medical Response (AMR) will
assume ambulance services for Edmond within city limits starting Jan. 9, 2024.
DCFPD acknowledges the concerns of the Deer Creek community and is committed to keeping
residents informed during this transition. The district assures prompt and efficient emergency
responses will continue without interruption.
This transition follows EMSA’s Sept. 19, 2023, decision to cease servicing communities beyond
Oklahoma City limits, despite a meeting on June 15, 2023, when EMSA leadership promised no
change in service would occur to the Fire Protection Districts. DCFPD, OCFPD, Oklahoma and
Logan County Commissioners, Edmond Fire, AMR, Pafford EMS, and Miller EMS have since
collaborated to explore options for an immediate solution. Discussions with Oklahoma County
Commissioner Myles Davidson and Logan County Commissioner Mark Sharpton have been
ongoing to ensure adequate emergency services in unincorporated areas. These collaborations
are greatly appreciated and helped lead to the immediate solution for DCFPD and OCFPD. The
immediate solution for the new primary licensed ambulance service provider will be Miller
EMS for the areas formerly serviced by EMSA. The new service will begin at 12:00 a.m. January
1, 2024.
Oklahoma County District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson and his staff continue to work with
DCFPD and OCFPD for both short-term and long-term solutions for the affected areas,
engaging with key stakeholders.
To address long-term solutions, DCFPD and OCFPD, along with Commissioner Davidson’s team,
are involved in legislative initiatives to empower Fire Protection Districts to adopt legislation
for increased EMS transport funding. This proposal, under legislative review, requires citizen
approval and is estimated to be a two-year process at a minimum. Senator Kristen Thompson is###
assisting in spearheading this initiative, and then Representative Nicole Miller will deliver it
through the House.
The DCFPD, covering 52.51 square miles across Oklahoma and Logan counties, is a combination
(both career and volunteer firefighters) Title 19-901 Fire Protection District and is a state
licensed Emergency Medical Response Agency. Annually, the district responds to approximately
750 calls, with about 46% being EMS responses. Title 19-901 Fire Protection Districts were
formed to provide fire protection in unincorporated areas and are funded through ad valorem
fees for the purpose of fire protection.
DCFPD, OCFPD, Oklahoma County Commissioner Davidson, Logan County Commissioner
Sharpton, and Miller EMS are looking forward to this new partnership and continued efforts in
providing the best possible services to our citizens.
For more information on this change in ambulance services, citizens are encouraged to visit
dcfire.org. Please be mindful that the Deer Creek School District and the Deer Creek Fire
Protection District are not the same land area. Oklahoma City and Edmond websites offer an
address lookup feature to verify city residency.
Action Required:
Public engagement is crucial. Citizens are urged to contact their county commissioners and
legislators to emphasize their support of this new legislation and the need for continued and
reliable ambulance services in affected and other unincorporated areas.
Contact Information:
Oklahoma County Commissioners: https://www.oklahomacounty.org/elected-
offices/commissioners
Oklahoma Legislature: https://oksenate.gov/, https://www.okhouse.gov/
The Deer Creek Fire Protection District remains dedicated to the community’s safety and will
continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact info@dcfire.org.