Texas’ EMS and public health officials are already preparing
for the crowds that will descend on the state for the
2026 FIFA World Cup, when matches will be played in Dallas
and Houston. As Texas gets ready to host several games
during the tournament, state agencies are stepping up
emergency preparedness plans for large public events.
Officials are collaborating with local, state and federal partners
to identify potential public health threats and emergency
response challenges. Planning is underway on disease
surveillance, medical supply coordination, strategic deployment
of emergency resources and mass casualty preparedness.
EMS systems are under a lot of pressure during large international
events. Call volume increases, traffic becomes congested and
there is a need for quick coordination between multiple agencies.”
“We must have advanced preparation to sustain our response
capabilities throughout the tournament,” EMS leaders said.
The World Cup may be one of the biggest operational challenges
for EMS providers in Texas in recent history. In the months
preceding the event, agencies will need to participate in a wide
variety of drills and interagency exercises