The Des Moines Fire Department has released its 2024 call count, showing a marginal overall increase but highlighting the success of its recently-launched Mobile Integrated Health Program.
In 2024, the department reported nearly 32,000 calls, reflecting a slight 1.45% increase compared to the previous year. However, medical service calls remained nearly flat, with one fewer call compared to 2023, while typically call volume increases 3 to 5 percent.
The Fire Department attributes the improvement to proactive outreach efforts under the Mobile Integrated Health Program. Paramedics visit homes and homeless camps to address underlying causes of frequent 911 calls.
This year, the program’s methodology is expanding to include fire-related issues, targeting individuals prone to repeated fire incidents such as food-on-the-stove calls.
