San Marcos is scheduled to launch a city-operated emergency medical services department Thursday, Oct. 1, adding a third emergency-response agency alongside the San Marcos Police and Fire departments. The new San Marcos Emergency Medical Services agency will operate independently and provide emergency medical transport in the community. It is also set to assume the services previously provided by San Marcos Hays County EMS. The city’s announcement did not include details about staffing, costs or how the change may affect residents’ ambulance service.