San Francisco's Fire Department is set to enhance emergency medical services through a newly approved $125,000 grant from the CareStar Foundation. This funding will support an upcoming Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Data Equity Conference, aimed at addressing critical challenges in EMS data collection and sharing.

During a recent city meeting, Director Mark Corso outlined the purpose of the grant, emphasizing the need for collaboration among various EMS partners. The conference, scheduled for January 19, 2026, at San Jose State University, will bring together over 30 providers from across California to discuss and develop strategies for improving data accuracy and usage in emergency services.

Assistant Deputy Chief Simon Pang highlighted the importance of establishing a common language around data definitions, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as the homeless. He noted that discrepancies in how data is collected and interpreted can hinder efforts to improve health equity within the community.

The conference is part of a broader initiative stemming from a previous $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, which focuses on moral injury and health equity in community paramedicine. The goal is to create a year-long community of practice that fosters ongoing dialogue and alignment in data practices among EMS providers.

The approval of this grant marks a significant step towards enhancing the effectiveness of emergency medical services in San Francisco and beyond, ensuring that data-driven decisions can better serve the community's needs.