Summer is one of the busiest seasons for our Emergency Department (ED) — not just within the hospital, but out in the community as well. Whether it’s responding to emergencies or preventing them, our Emergency Medicine team plays a vital role during San Francisco’s largest public events.

Over the past two months, our Emergency Medicine team has been providing care to the community at some of the City’s most high-profile gatherings. During the Bay to Breakers race in May, the team were stationed at the finish line offering medical support and assistance to runners. In June the team proudly provided medical coverage at the 55th Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration, including more than 200 encounters on Pride weekend, keeping the community safe during the celebration. Our team responded to a wide range of needs at these events — from sprained ankles and sunburns to asthma, allergic reactions, and eye injuries — ensuring that fun didn’t come at the cost of safety.

In addition to these efforts, the Department of Emergency Medicine, in partnership with UCSF Health, is also staffing the First Aid tent at Oracle Park during Giants games and select concerts — further extending their service beyond the hospital campus.

In the unlikely event of a large-scale emergency at one of these events, the city has a coordinated, expert response at the ready. Beyond preparedness, our presence at large gatherings like these also helps reduce unnecessary ED admissions. By addressing medical needs on-site, our clinicians provide timely care while preserving hospital resources for the most urgent cases. It’s another way we extend our commitment to public health far beyond the hospital walls.

Thank you to every member of the ED team who has contributed to this effort. Your skill, flexibility, and unwavering dedication reflect the best of ZSFG. Whether you’re staffing a first aid tent or treating patients here at the hospital, your work ensures that our community can gather, celebrate, and stay safe — all summer and year long.

— Susan