The pandemic caused many people to delay needed health care. Now, first-line responders are seeing many more people call 911 for non-emergency care–reducing the response capacity for time-sensitive and life-threatening situations in Sacramento County, including Folsom.

Sacramento’s busiest hospital emergency departments have seen a 300% increase in patients arriving via ambulance at the lowest, least sick level. And more than half of patients arriving at the emergency departments are ultimately not sick enough to be admitted to the hospital for further care.

With these significant increases in non-urgent care, Sacramento region’s first responders and hospital systems are encouraging people to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. By reducing non-emergency 911 calls, first responders can better serve patients and the wider community as efficiently as possible.

When you get sick or hurt, deciding whether to see your regular doctor, go to a hospital emergency room, or visit an urgent care walk-in center can be hard. The Where to Go for Care guide is designed to help you make the best choice. If you feel you are in an emergency where your life is at risk, call 911.