Sacramento High-Utilizer Calls Cost Millions

A small group of individuals consumed $12.5 million in emergency resources over five years in Sacramento.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Emergency Response

Coiled industrial fire hoses on a concrete floor inside an emergency services station. — A small group of frequent emergency callers in Sacramento cost the city $12.5 million in resources over five years, significantly impacting public safety budgets. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should the city mandate compulsory treatment for individuals who repeatedly rely on local emergency services?

Between 2021 and 2025, 79 individuals in Sacramento accounted for 5,191 emergency medical service responses, costing the local fire department $12.5 million. These calls consumed 12% of the department's annual emergency medical service time, contributing to budget constraints that have left up to eight fire trucks out of operation.

Why it matters

These frequent emergency users often lack access to consistent medical care, shelter, or support networks, placing a strain on public safety resources. The high volume of calls diverts limited fire and ambulance assets, potentially causing delays for other critical incidents in the community.

Seventy-nine individuals accounted for 5,191 emergency responses, utilizing 12% of annual city EMS time. One extreme case study saw a single individual consume 287 hours of emergency responder time over a 15-month period.

The players

Sacramento Fire Department

This municipal agency provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations to residents and visitors of Sacramento.

Councilmember Guerra

As a member of the Sacramento City Council, this official is involved in legislative advocacy regarding municipal services and homelessness policy.

The details

The Sacramento Fire Department is currently implementing an alternative response program to better coordinate medical and social services for these high-frequency users. Current shelter infrastructure remains ill-equipped to handle the specialized needs of individuals suffering from severe mental illness or chronic wounds.

Between 2021 and 2025, these 79 individuals generated 5,191 emergency medical responses.
The city and county signed a formal homelessness partnership agreement in 2022.
The homelessness partnership agreement is scheduled to expire in December 2027.

Seasonal Patterns

The proposal to require compulsory treatment for individuals with substance use disorders follows the pattern set by the state CARE Court legislation. This marks a legislative attempt to expand the definition of gravely disabled to address service utilization challenges.

Residents should remain aware that frequent 911 utilization can lead to delays for other urgent emergency incidents. The city is currently working to manage these service gaps through a new medical and social service coordination program.

The takeaway

Addressing the needs of frequent emergency service users requires a shift from strictly reactive medical responses to integrated social service support. Sustained collaboration between city and county entities is essential for reducing the fiscal and operational burden on municipal emergency systems.