Resource Access Program (RAP)
San Diego Fire-Rescue (SDFD) responds to an average of 160,000 medical calls each year. Research shows that approximately 3% of patients are frequent 9-1-1 callers, accounting for approximately 16% of all Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls nationwide. Many of these individuals face complex challenges, including chronic health conditions, mental health needs, substance use disorders, and/or housing instability.
While emergency response and hospital care are essential when someone is experiencing an immediate crisis, they do not always address the underlying needs that contribute to repeated 9-1-1 calls. Without additional support and connection to appropriate resources, individuals may continue to rely on the emergency system without seeing meaningful improvements in their long-term health and well-being.
About the Program
To better support these individuals and connect them with appropriate care, San Diego Fire-Rescue created the Resource Access Program (RAP). Launched in 2008, RAP is a specialized team within SDFD’s Emergency Medical Services division staffed by Advanced Practice Providers and Paramedics who use real-time data, patient engagement, and community outreach to identify individuals in the city of San Diego who frequently rely on 9-1-1 and assess the factors contributing to their repeated use of emergency services.
Through relationship-building and personalized care, the program:
- Helps connect frequent 9-1-1 callers with critical services and coordinated care, including housing, primary medical care, mental health treatment, and substance use resources.
- Works with healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community partners to develop long-term solutions.
- Provides street-based medical and behavioral health care when appropriate, bringing care directly to individuals in the communities where they live.
By connecting individuals with the care and resources they need outside of the emergency system, RAP helps reduce repeated emergency calls, improve patient outcomes, and ensure emergency resources remain available for other emergency calls across the city.
Since its launch, the Resource Access Program has become a nationally recognized model for community-based emergency care.
- In 2014, the program was recognized as a best practice by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
- In 2025, the RAP team received the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award for their innovative work supporting vulnerable populations.
For general questions about SDFD’s Resource Access Program, please email sdfdrapinfo@sandiego.gov (Please note that this email is not intended for referrals or individual care requests).