As of April 1, Acadian Ambulance Service has taken over emergency medical operations in Liberty County, replacing Allegiance Ambulance Service and bringing with it changes aimed at improving coverage across the county’s large and largely rural landscape.
In a recent interview for Bluebonnet News’ Headlines and Heartlines podcast, Acadian Operations Manager Robert Crane said the company spent months preparing for the transition to ensure there were no gaps in service.
“We were moved in and 100 percent ready to go,” Crane said, noting that in addition to local units, five ambulances were staged out of Beaumont to support the transition if needed.
Acadian, founded in 1971, is a 100 percent employee-owned company operating in Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi. Crane, who has been with the company for nearly two decades, recently stepped into his role overseeing operations in the region.
One of the biggest questions from residents has been whether ambulance coverage has decreased under the new system.
Crane said that is not the case.
According to Crane, the county previously operated with seven ambulances, including units stationed in Cleveland and Dayton. Acadian continues to staff five ambulances in the county’s unincorporated areas, while adjusting how those units are deployed.
Instead of relying solely on 24-hour units, Acadian says it is using a combination of 24-hour ambulances and “power trucks” that operate during peak call times.
“The goal is to focus the highest number of hours in ambulances where the call volume is actually at,” Crane said, noting that demand is typically much higher during the day than in the early morning hours.
Additional support is available through reserve units and nearby ambulances traveling through the county, which can be redirected if needed.
Crane said Liberty County presents unique challenges due to its size, geography and limited access points across the Trinity River.
“There’s only three places in the county to cross over the Trinity from east to west,” he said.
Distance and travel time, especially in more remote areas, can impact response times. Crane said the company is still evaluating performance and working with the county to establish realistic response time expectations.
“It’s been about what I expected,” he said, noting that the system is still in its early stages and adjustments will continue as more data is collected.
Crane emphasized that all primary response units in Liberty County are staffed at the paramedic level, providing advanced life support capabilities.
He also highlighted a shift in how certain emergencies are handled, such as cardiac arrests, where crews often begin treatment on scene rather than immediately transporting patients in order to improve outcomes.
Most patients in Liberty County are currently transported to hospitals in Kingwood, Baytown and northeast Houston, all of which offer trauma care. According to Crane, while patient preference is considered, transport decisions are based on proximity and medical need.
Crane addressed concerns that Acadian will be aggressive in billing, saying Acadian follows standard healthcare billing practices and does not charge patients who refuse treatment.
He also acknowledged concerns about response times and said the company is actively monitoring performance and making adjustments as needed.
“If I find any gaps, we will change what we’re doing and fix those gaps,” Crane said.
In the long term, Acadian aims to stabilize and improve service while working toward greater efficiency across the county. Crane said expanding coverage could be a possibility in the future if circumstances allow.
He also emphasized the importance of community cooperation, including providing clear information when calling 911.
“Know where you’re at, answer questions the best you can, and stay calm,” he said.
Acadian also plans to expand community outreach efforts, including CPR training and youth programs designed to introduce students to careers in emergency medical services.
To hear more of Crane’s interview with Bluebonnet News’ Headlines and Heartlines, click the link below: