A record year: UC Davis Emergency Department cares for over 100,000 patients in 2025
By Liam Connolly
Milestone reflects the region’s growing population and exceptional emergency care teams
(SACRAMENTO)
UC Davis Health’s Department of Emergency Medicine reached a major milestone in 2025. For the first time, the department cared for more than 100,000 patient visits in a single year.
The increase is a result of several factors, including the Sacramento region’s continued population growth and exceptional care provided by the department.
Over the past 15 years, emergency department visits have climbed steadily, with patient volume rising about 3% each year.
“We work in an emergency department that cares for a lot of very sick and seriously injured patients,” said James F. Holmes, the Bo Tomas Brofeldt Endowed Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Health. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to our team’s dedication, professionalism and resilience. They continue to rise to the challenge and provide exceptional care in even the most demanding situations.”
UC Davis Medical Center is the only Level I trauma center north of San Francisco — and one of just three in California — for adults and children.
“Many patients come to UC Davis because of the high level of care they receive here,” added Holmes. “Serving this community is our mission. Whether it’s trauma, critical illness or any urgent need, we are here to provide the care people depend on.”
A major reason for the growth in emergency care is the growth in population: The four-county Sacramento region has added more than 350,000 residents since 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
But there are other factors, too, such as an emergency department that consistently provides high-quality care — and access to a large number of specialists compared to other hospitals. Patients seek care at UC Davis Health from a 33-county area, and in the most critical cases arrive at the emergency room by helicopter from remote parts of Northern California.
The Immediate Advanced Care program will provide care for patients with acute care events, such as a broken arm or leg.
As the Sacramento region’s population continues to expand, UC Davis Health is turning to innovative solutions to adapt for more patients.
Among the new initiatives this year is the Immediate Advanced Care program, which will provide care for patients with acute care events, such as a broken arm. The program is designed to ease pressure on the busy emergency department and help patients receive care more quickly.
More improvements are also on the horizon: In 2030, the medical center’s new California Tower opens. The 14-story tower will provide more space for the emergency department to care for even more patients.
“We are here to serve our community and we’re proud to do so,” Holmes said. “Our team remains ready to make sure patients receive the services they need and the best care possible.”
