Hoping for hospitals From the cover
Current situation
Blanco
10
Kerrville
In 2021, Baptist Health System purchased 29 acres of land along I-10 in Boerne for a regional hospital; however, the site has not been developed. Baptist Health System officials said there is still a plan for the hospital in the future. In the meantime, residents must drive around 30 minutes to a traditional hospital to receive care. Despite challenges with access to care, Kendall County EMS, Bexar County Emergency Services District No. 4 and local emergency rooms help ensure residents receive treatment. The Methodist Emergency Room in Boerne is equipped to handle nonemergency conditions, including asthma attacks, abdominal or chest pain and other acute conditions. The ER can also treat critical conditions, including amputation, broken bones, cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies, according to the ER’s website.
281
San Marcos
173
16
Boerne
35
46
Bandera
Timberwood Park
New Braunfels
Map key
10
10 minutes 20 minutes 30 minutes Nearest hospitals
1604
San Antonio
410
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
SOURCE: TRAVELTIME, OPENSTREETMAP CONTRIBUTORS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Assessing the need
The ESD began EMS services at the start of 2025 and continues to grow to serve the region south of Boerne. During a May 15 council meeting, ESD represen- tatives said a quarter of the calls they responded to came from Fair Oaks Ranch. The need for additional ambulance services grows alongside the population. “We are working to keep up,” ESD No. 4 Adminis- trator Charles Laljer said to City Council.
Webb said the hospital system covers the cost of additional transportation from the emergency room if a bed is needed at another Methodist location. “If we take a patient there, and if they need to be admitted, Methodist will transport from the ER in Boerne to the nearest Methodist Hospital,” Webb said. The majority of calls to Kendall County EMS come from the city of Boerne. In April, Fair Oaks Ranch City Council began a contract with Bexar County ESD No. 4 to offer ambulance services to residents.
Average EMS response times in 2024
Bexar County ESD No. 4
9 min.
Kendall County EMS (County) 7 min. Kendall County EMS (Boerne)
12 min.
Texas
7:36 min.
SOURCE: KENDALL COUNTY EMS, BEXAR COUNTY ESD NO. 4, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
6/18/25, 1:17 PM
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