KANSAS CITY, MO. – (January 21, 2026) – HCA Midwest Health, the area’s largest healthcare provider and part of HCA Healthcare, and the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) today announced a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Paramedic Medical Direction partnership with the health system’s Research Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center, strengthening pre-hospital emergency care across Kansas City and the region.
Under the partnership, Research Medical Center, the No. 1 hospital in Missouri for stroke care and a nationally recognized burn center, will serve as KCFD’s EMS Medical Direction provider, delivering medical oversight of EMS and paramedic protocols, as well as on-scene, pre-hospital medical direction for first responders. The collaboration supports clinical decision-making in the field and enhances coordination between pre-hospital care and hospital-based treatment for patients experiencing medical emergencies.
“This new partnership with HCA Midwest Health strengthens our EMS system and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, timely pre-hospital care to the citizens of Kansas City,” said KCFD Fire Chief Ross Grundyson. “Their clinical expertise, medical oversight, and collaborative approach support our paramedics and EMTs with evidence-based protocols and real-time medical guidance, helping ensure our community continues to receive advanced and compassionate emergency medical care.
As a Level I Trauma Center, Research Medical Center brings advanced clinical expertise, 24/7 specialty coverage, and extensive experience in high-acuity, time-sensitive care for a four-state region.
“For decades, Research Medical Center has partnered with the Kansas City Fire Department through training, education, and emergency preparedness, and today marks an important milestone in building upon that strong foundation,” said Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Kirk McCarty. “This collaboration brings together two of the region’s leading emergency response and medical providers to support coordinated, high-quality care for patients from the moment emergency services are activated.”
HCA Midwest Health and HCA Healthcare – one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers – have extensive experience in emergency planning and preparedness, supporting communities through large-scale events, severe weather, public health emergencies, and other crises. Multiple HCA markets across the country will serve as host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Leveraging this experience, best practices and insights nationally provides a unique opportunity for both organizations, all for the health, safety, and betterment of teams, thousands of international fans, and the region.
“Large-scale events highlight the importance of preparation, coordination, and clinical readiness,” said HCA Midwest Health Emergency Medicine Specialist Calloway Pichetter, MD. “This partnership allows our teams to align protocols, training, and real-time medical direction with the Kansas City Fire Department, ensuring we are prepared to deliver coordinated, high-quality care – whether for a major international event or the everyday emergencies our community faces.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation –ensuring patients receive high-quality, compassionate care from the moment emergency services are activated through hospital treatment and recovery.
About Research Medical Center
Research Medical Center—part of HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s leading healthcare provider—serves patients by providing quality healthcare services and access to advanced technology. The hospital, located at 2316 East Meyer Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the region’s leading acute care hospitals. The 590-bed facility features a broad range of specialized, state-of-the-art services, including a Level I Trauma Center and Level 1 Time Critical Diagnosis services for stroke, brain and spinal cord injury, heart attack, and sepsis. Research is home to the region’s first accredited stroke center. Other services include the TIA Clinic, Grossman Burn Center, Liver and Pancreas Institute, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, 24-hour Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospitalists and Emergency Room, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Transplant Institute, fertility specialists, Center for the Relief of Pain, orthopedics, sports medicine, and much more. In addition, the 25-acre Research Brookside Campus, located at 6601 Rockhill Road in Kansas City, Mo., includes an outpatient surgery center, many specialty physicians, and a comprehensive health and fitness center. Research Medical Center and the Brookside Campus offer 24-hour access to Emergency Services and feature a range of primary care and walk-in care providers, providing preventive and wellness services.
About HCA Midwest Health
As the Kansas City area’s largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health comprises seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet area residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest employers, with more than 10,000 colleagues and a local economic impact of more than $1.4 billion annually. That includes more than $102 million annually in charity and uncompensated care and more than $200 million in federal, state, and local taxes to help improve the schools, roads, and infrastructure of the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Research Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Lee’s Summit Medical Center, Belton Regional Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, and Research Psychiatric Center. HCA Midwest Physicians, part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently, HCA Midwest Physicians represents nearly 600 providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals, and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows.