Berkeley Fire and Emergency Medical Services B.E.A.R. Program Awarded Alameda County's Medical Services Program of the Year!
BERKELEY FIRE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES B.E.A.R. PROGRAM AWARDED ALAMEDA COUNTY'S MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAM OF THE YEAR!
The B.E.A.R. Unit was named the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Program of the Year Award for its groundbreaking approach to improving healthcare access. The award was presented to the department on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
On September 9, 2024, BFD implemented, the B.E.A.R. Unit, as a specialized response team within the 9-1-1 system. The non-emergency response unit provides low-acuity medical care to the Berkeley community, aiming to improve healthcare access by connecting individuals with appropriate healthcare resources in a timely manner. This approach helps reduce overcrowding in emergency rooms by channeling minor medical issues to alternative care options and support services.
The BEAR Unit uses Advanced Practice Providers like Nurse Practitioners or Physicians Assistants on EMS teams, enabling better field triage of non-emergency cases, timely referrals to appropriate care, and a reduction in unnecessary emergency department visits. The B.E.A.R. Unit helps low-acuity patients with:
Health connections: Linking people to primary care, long-term care, palliative care, and direct medical help.
Support services: Referring patients to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), homeless services, and the Specialized Care Unit.
Basic medical care: Cleaning wounds, applying stitches, and other care in the field.
Medication help: Making sure patients get and take their prescriptions.
As a pilot program, the BEAR unit was funded by a reallocation of encumbered funds allocated for a fire academy that was not held, and salary savings from an administrative position that was not filled. The BEAR unit ends in June 2025. Although BFD is exploring grant opportunities to support the unit in the future, to date, these efforts have not been successful.
Based on B.E.A.R. Unit patient health outcomes, without this program, residents will face barriers to timely and affordable care, leading to deteriorating health and increased reliance on limited emergency services.
To learn more about this groundbreaking program contact: Principal Program Manager, Shanalee Gallagher by email sgallagher@berkeleyca.gov or by phone 415-850-2122.