Sacramento Fire Department Audit Reveals High Rate of Nonemergency EMS Calls, Straining Resources
An audit of the Sacramento Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services Division has revealed that nearly 40% of the calls it handles are non-emergencies. This situation has resulted in significant resource strain, with ambulances and paramedics being tied up, delaying responses to genuine emergencies, and costing the city over $4.6 million. The audit, covering the period from July 2023 to June 2024, found that out of 98,157 calls, a substantial portion were classified as 'low-acuity' incidents, which do not pose an immediate threat to life, health, or property. The report was presented to the City Council’s Budget and Audit Committee, highlighting the growing burden on emergency services as calls for service have increased at a rate nearly double that of staffing levels since before the COVID-19 pandemic. 
