City EMT department conducts multi-agency MCI drill featuring innovative patient tracking app

The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, focusing on updates from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division, highlighting training initiatives, community engagement, and operational improvements.

The meeting began with a report on recent training exercises aimed at enhancing team cohesion and communication among EMS personnel. Crews participated in a practical training session on the beach, where they practiced patient extrication in challenging environments. This training was noted to have significantly improved team dynamics.

Next, the meeting introduced the newest cohort of city EMTs, who recently began their on-the-job training, accumulating 500 hours of ride-along experience. The cohort's training includes essential skills such as vehicle operation and patient handling.

A significant highlight was the multi-agency drill conducted on April 25, known as Operation Encore. This drill simulated a mass casualty incident at a concert venue, involving 65 moulaged patients. The exercise provided a realistic scenario for EMS units to practice triage and patient transport, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for large-scale emergencies. The drill also allowed community EMT trainees to participate as patients, fostering public awareness of emergency response efforts.

The meeting further discussed the introduction of a new app, Peak Response, designed to streamline the management of large-scale incidents. This app, developed with a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, aims to enhance communication and patient tracking during emergencies. The app was tested alongside traditional methods, demonstrating its potential benefits in improving efficiency.

Additionally, the EMS division announced the arrival of six new vans, which had been ordered during the COVID-19 pandemic. These vehicles will support the street crisis teams and enhance operational capacity.

Recognition was given to Community Paramedic Emily Tam for her efforts in organizing donations for the community paramedicine division, showcasing the department's commitment to community support.

The meeting concluded with updates on leadership development programs for EMS chiefs and the ongoing success of community paramedic teams in addressing individual needs through collaboration with other city agencies. The meeting underscored the vital role of EMS in the community and the continuous efforts to improve service delivery and emergency preparedness.