Support Our Austin EMS Heroes

Your support plays a vital role in our mission. Every contribution, regardless of size, directly benefits Austin-Travis County medics, their families, and the broader community. Our programs are designed to respond to both current and emerging needs within the EMS field. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to deliver targeted support where it is needed most, including emergency relief, educational opportunities, and community-based initiatives.

Mission Statement

The Austin EMS Relief Fund is committed to advancing excellence in prehospital patient care and promoting the well-being of Austin-Travis County medics. We achieve this through: 

Emergency Relief and Mental Health Support 

Providing critical assistance and mental health services to medics and their families during times of injury, illness, loss, or personal hardship. 

Education and Training 

Supporting professional development through scholarships for EMS students and certification programs, including the Dr. Mark Ackrell Scholarship for Critical Care and Flight Paramedic training and the Siempre En Servicio Scholarship for Hispanic and Latino students pursuing paramedic school. 

Community Outreach and Public Education 

Enhancing public safety and community resilience through initiatives such as Stop the Bleed training, distribution of emergency kits to downtown businesses, and providing basic necessities to individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Our Programs

Emergency Relief for Medics and Their Families

Your contribution directly supports Austin-Travis County medics and their families in times of personal need. When faced with unexpected hardships, eligible medics may apply for financial assistance to help cover medical expenses, basic needs, and other urgent costs.

Advanced Training and Education

Your support helps fund continuing education and specialized training for Austin-Travis County medics, ensuring our region’s first responders remain among the most skilled and well-prepared in the field. Scholarships are available for advanced certifications, including the Dr. Mark Ackrell Scholarship for Critical Care Paramedic and Flight Paramedic programs. We also invest in the future of EMS through youth programs such as the Longhorn EMS First Aid Room and the Explorer Post 247 Student Scholarship.

Essential Equipment Fund

Your donation helps equip medics with advanced tools and training resources critical to improving patient care and saving lives. This includes life-saving medical equipment and devices used in the field and in training environments. This also extends to our community as we provide Stop the Bleed kits and training to local businesses throughout Austin to enhance public preparedness for trauma emergencies.

Emergency Medication for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

This program reimburses medics who often use personal funds to purchase essential items for patients experiencing homelessness. These include prescription medications, public transportation passes, and basic care supplies. To date, this initiative has supported over 500 individuals by covering costs for critical needs such as psychiatric medications, insulin, antibiotics, and wound care materials.

Mental Health Services for Medics

We are actively raising funds to expand access to peer-led, facilitated support groups for medics coping with the emotional and psychological demands of the profession. Participants report significant improvements, including a 50–75% reduction in anxiety, better sleep, decreased alcohol use, increased emotional resilience, and a renewed sense of empathy and camaraderie. With sustained funding, we aim to make this vital program a permanent offering. 

The Austin EMS Relief Fund is operated by the Austin EMS Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Should you prefer to make a donation by check please mail to:

Austin EMS Foundation

ATTN: Relief Fund

310 Comal St, Bldg A

Suite 200 #237

Austin TX 78702