About the Emergency Medical Services System
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:
- History of Alameda County EMS 1973-2007
- The formation of the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services District (1984)
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: