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EMS reports rising call volume, seeks Medi‑Cal funding for behavioral response
Summary
Deputy Chief Simon Pang told the Fire Commission that San Francisco EMS is on track for roughly 130,000 engagements annually, with market share near 79%; the department is pursuing Medi‑Cal funding (estimated $3 million annually) and refocused its street overdose response to individuals with multiple overdoses.
Deputy Chief Simon Pang told commissioners Thursday that EMS call volume ticked up in October and, if current trends continue, the department is on pace for about 130,000 EMS engagements annually — roughly 10,000 more than last year. He said the department’s market share was 79% for the prior two months (target: 80%).
Pang said October included 126 cardiac arrests (about four per day). Eleven cases achieved return of spontaneous circulation upon hospital arrival, which Pang said reflects coordinated resuscitation efforts across paramedics, firefighters and rescue captains.
On data and funding, Pang reported Section Chief Michael Mason was selected to the NEMSIS Standards Change Review Committee, a national body that sets EMS data elements. The department flagged inconsistencies in national data definitions (for example, homelessness categorization and overdose reporting) and said Mason’s role should improve data equity and accuracy.
Pang said the department is pursuing Medi‑Cal reimbursement for behavioral crisis response and estimated, conservatively, the city could receive about $3,000,000 annually if the health department approves and staff complete required additional training (roughly 30 hours). He said the process is complex and currently being project‑managed with outside partners including the Harvard Government Performance Lab and a Medi‑Cal technical assistance contractor (MTAC).
On overdose work, the Street Overdose Response team was removed from the routine 911 response pattern and refocused to target individuals with multiple overdoses and perform hospital‑in‑reach work; team engagements increased to 129 in October and SCOPE referrals (Sobering Center Overdose Prevention and Education Pilot) rose from three to 21. Pang also raised workplace violence as a top concern for EMS staff (16 incidents in September, 11 in October) and said the department encourages members to report and, where appropriate, file police reports.
Commissioners praised the report, asked clarifying questions about transport disposition charts and local policing presence at incidents, and thanked staff for the department’s outreach and training programs. Pang said interns from City EMT and the department’s internship pipeline continue to supply qualified candidates to the department.
