The UC Davis Fire Department has been internationally recognized as a Beacon community under the Resuscitation Academy's Lighthouse Program, marking the highest level of excellence attainable at entry into the prehospital cardiac arrest care program. The UC Davis Fire Department is only the 14th agency to receive a Lighthouse Program designation and currently the only department in California to enter the program. 

The Lighthouse Program, developed by the Resuscitation Academy (RA), is designed to help fire departments and EMS agencies establish and sustain world-class systems of care for cardiac arrest. The program is divided into three stages — Compass, Beacon, and Lighthouse — with Lighthouse representing the highest designation for demonstrating exceptional performance and leadership. 

A model of high-performance resuscitation 

Earning Beacon status means the UC Davis Fire Department is not only applying the latest in resuscitation science but is also serving as an example and educator for other departments looking to improve survival outcomes in their own communities. 

The fire department’s system of care includes: 

• High-performance CPR, where trained crews work with precise coordination to minimize delays and maximize effectiveness. 

• Widespread AED availability and community CPR training. 

• Close coordination with dispatchers and ambulance providers. 

• Emphasis on measuring survival rates and driving improvement through data. 

• Hosting regional training events for fire and EMS leadership to build unified systems of care. 

“We are proud that this designation reflects both our outcomes and our commitment to sharing best practices,” said UC Davis Fire Chief Nate Hartinger. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to excellence in providing care to our community.” 

A regional and statewide impact 

With Beacon status, the UC Davis Fire Department becomes a go-to resource for other agencies seeking guidance on how to build or strengthen their own cardiac arrest response systems. When others reach out to the RA for help, they’ll now be referred to UC Davis as a model department. 

The department’s influence is already being felt well beyond campus. Participants from past UC Davis-hosted RA conferences have taken the department’s training and insights back to their home regions where they’ve gone on to train other providers in advanced resuscitation techniques.  

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the work we’re doing at UC Davis is creating a ripple effect across the state,” said EMS Captain Scott Hatcher. “When we train others, they go on to train hundreds more in their own communities. Knowing that our efforts have helped equip other providers throughout the state is a powerful reminder of the broader impact we can have on saving lives.” 

Additionally, the fire department works closely with the Yolo County EMS Agency, whose leadership in establishing medical protocols, focusing on quality improvement and striving for excellence has contributed to improved cardiac arrest survival in Yolo County and set a standard for the rest of the region. Once below the state average, Yolo County’s survival rates now exceed state norms, thanks in part to this strong collaboration. 

What’s next? 

Beacon status is a major milestone in the fire department’s ongoing commitment to saving lives through innovation, training and excellence in emergency care. The department plans to continue improving and aims to pursue Lighthouse-level designation in the future, a recognition reserved for agencies that demonstrate long-term sustainability and help lead systemwide change at a national scale.