About the Emergency Medical Services System

Alameda County Health, Emergency Medical Services Agency (Alameda County EMS) facilitates planning, preparedness, prevention, response, and training related to disaster, injury, and emergency medical services. We are recognized by the California Emergency Medical Services Authority as a “Local EMS Agency,” or LEMSA. LEMSA’s throughout the state are responsible for planning, implementing, evaluating, and regulating local EMS systems.

The Alameda County EMS system is composed of many stakeholders including dispatch centers, first responder agencies, ambulance providers, hospitals, and specialty centers for the emergency care of victims of major trauma, stroke, and certain serious heart conditions.  Alameda County EMS coordinates the comprehensive emergency medical services system through its contracted and permitted provider organizations, as well as through the development and implementation of policies and procedures for prehospital care.

Alameda is the seventh most populous county in California, and has 14 incorporated cities and several unincorporated communities. The total population is estimated to be 1,647,704. Oakland is the seat of County government and the County’s largest city. Alameda County is characterized by rich diversity and culture. Population growth has occurred with the natural net increase of births over deaths, but also from substantial immigration, and Alameda County is now one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the Bay Area and the nation.

During 2016, Alameda County received nearly 160,000 911 requests for medical aid, with over 115,000 transports being completed. The system has numerous components including communication centers, first responders, basic and advanced transports services, and multiple receiving and specialty care centers. To learn more about the various partners that support our EMS System, see below.

To learn more about the history and establishment of EMS in Alameda County:

The California EMS Authority requires that the EMS Agency submit a System Plan (PDF). That plan contains comprehensive information on the structure and performance of the EMS system and we invite you to review it.

EMS System Components

The Alameda County EMS system is comprised of several components:

  • Childhood and Senior Injury Prevention Programs
  • Communication Centers
  • First Responders
  • 911 Transport
  • Non-Emergency Transport
  • Receiving Facilities

 

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