Recently, Pam Zekman from CBSChicago highlighted an important issue regarding the current state of the Chicago Fire Department's (CFD) ambulance fleet and emergency medical services (EMS). Her report delves into whether the city can consistently deliver timely help to those facing life-threatening situations. What happens when someone suffers a life-threatening injury? Will an ambulance arrive fast enough? CBS 2’s Pam Zekman, alongside the Better Government Association, investigated and found that this isn't always the case. As a result, paramedics argue that Chicago urgently needs more ambulances and additional paramedics. Consider the incident involving Lynn Ramos, who was hit by a postal truck while crossing Washington Street last month. Fire engines equipped with paramedics arrived within four minutes to rescue her. However, despite repeated requests over the radio, an ambulance failed to show up promptly. The nearest available ambulance was stationed five miles away and took 16 minutes to reach the scene—far exceeding the state guideline of ten minutes. Ramos sustained severe injuries, including a punctured lung and multiple fractures in both legs and her pelvis. "This shouldn't happen," said Paramedic Field Chief Patrick Fitzmaurice. He emphasized that the city simply doesn't have enough ambulances." The city claims compliance with state regulations by ensuring that fire engines with paramedics and advanced life support gear arrive within six minutes of receiving a call. But as one anonymous paramedic explained, "It can take another 10 to 15 minutes for an ambulance to arrive after that, and these minutes can make all the difference for someone in critical condition." For instance, stroke victims require immediate access to specialized care at a stroke center, where medications can mitigate potential long-term damage. Similarly, gunshot or accident victims often need surgical intervention within minutes to save their lives. Time is indeed of the essence. An audit conducted by the city’s Inspector General corroborates these concerns. It revealed that Chicago’s medical response times fell short of the benchmarks set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to the NFPA, 90% of advanced life support equipment should reach emergencies within five minutes of dispatch. The audit found that the city achieved this standard only 58% of the time. Inspector General Joseph Ferguson stated, "Public funds allocated for essential services are meant to ensure our safety. Our investigation indicates that the fire department is falling short of its promises." He further noted that the fire department initially claimed adherence to NFPA standards but later admitted otherwise. The report also criticized the department’s calculation methods, arguing that no one truly knows how effectively they perform their core duties. Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association echoed these sentiments, warning that "people's lives could be jeopardized without proper resources and personnel reaching the scene swiftly." Dispatchers and paramedics face this challenge daily, with Fitzmaurice sharing instances where they've resorted to radio pleas such as, "I have no ambulances. Can anyone help?" Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago disputes claims of an ambulance shortage. In a written statement, he insisted that the department handles medical calls diligently and maintains adequate staffing. Santiago mentioned plans to recruit more paramedics this year, following a temporary pause due to updated testing procedures. He added that the department relies on voluntary overtime shifts to maintain rapid response times and pointed out efforts to address excessive overtime costs. Moreover, the department is monitoring ambulance deployment patterns to enhance efficiency and potentially relocate some headquarters to better meet growing demand. This insightful report aligns with observations made by Bill Post, who notes that while many are aware of these challenges, progress has been seen through initiatives like the ALS Engine Program. Notably, one EMS supervisor agreed to speak openly on camera, which is uncommon given their employment status. Meanwhile, another CFD worker preferred anonymity. Thanks to everyone who shared their insights—this conversation remains crucial for improving public safety. 1.The plate washing platform is assembled with high-strength aluminum alloy structure to reduce welding deformation and ensure the flatness of the platform.
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