Pam Zekman from CBSChicago recently aired a segment highlighting the current state of Chicago's Fire Department ambulance fleet and emergency medical service (EMS) response times. Her investigation delved into the challenges faced by the city when it comes to providing timely medical assistance to residents.
Zekman and the Better Government Association uncovered some troubling issues, particularly regarding the availability of ambulances during emergencies. For instance, consider the case of Lynn Ramos, who was hit by a postal truck while crossing the street in downtown Chicago. Fire engines equipped with paramedics arrived within four minutes to help extricate her, but confusion arose when dispatchers couldn't immediately locate an available ambulance nearby. The nearest ambulance was located five miles away, taking a full 16 minutes to reach the scene—10 minutes longer than state guidelines recommend. Ramos sustained serious injuries, including a punctured lung and multiple fractures, making the delay particularly concerning.
Paramedic Field Chief Patrick Fitzmaurice emphasized that the lack of sufficient ambulances is a significant issue. "We simply don't have enough ambulances," he stated bluntly. While the city maintains that it meets state standards by deploying fire engines with paramedics and advanced life support gear within six minutes, paramedics argue that these initial interventions aren't enough. They point out that even after stabilization, patients often wait 10 to 15 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, which can be critical depending on the severity of their condition.
For instance, stroke victims require rapid transport to specialized centers where they can receive immediate assessment and treatment. Similarly, gunshot or trauma victims need prompt surgical intervention. Time is of the essence in such cases, and delays can have devastating consequences.
An audit conducted by the city’s Inspector General corroborated these concerns. The report revealed that Chicago’s EMS response times consistently fell short of the benchmarks set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). According to NFPA guidelines, advanced life support vehicles should reach 90% of emergencies within five minutes. However, the city only achieved this standard 58% of the time.
Inspector General Joseph Ferguson expressed frustration over the discrepancy between the fire department's claims and actual performance. He noted that the department initially claimed adherence to NFPA standards but later admitted otherwise. Furthermore, Ferguson criticized the department's methodology for calculating response times, stating, "No one knows exactly how effective they are at fulfilling their core mission."
Andy Shaw of the Better Government Association echoed similar sentiments, warning that inadequate resources could put lives at risk. Dispatchers and paramedics themselves acknowledge the daily struggle to balance demand with limited supply. As Fitzmaurice put it, "There are moments when dispatchers just broadcast over the radio, 'I have no ambulances... Can anyone go?'"
In response, Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago denied allegations of an ambulance shortage. He assured the public that the department takes all medical calls seriously and operates without understaffing. Santiago mentioned plans to hire additional paramedics this year, following a temporary pause due to updated testing protocols. He also highlighted the department's efforts to manage overtime costs, aiming to reduce the $7 million spent last year on extra shifts. Additionally, officials are monitoring ambulance deployment patterns to optimize efficiency and potentially relocate certain stations to better serve high-demand areas.
Bill Post added context to the situation, noting that improvements have been made through the introduction of Advanced Life Support (ALS) fire companies. These units typically arrive faster than traditional ambulances, addressing some gaps in coverage. However, not everyone is convinced. In the CBSChicago report, one EMS supervisor agreed to speak publicly about the issue, which is rare for a city employee. Meanwhile, another opted to remain anonymous, underscoring lingering tensions within the ranks.
As these debates continue, residents and policymakers alike are left wondering whether Chicago can sustainably meet its EMS obligations moving forward.
Thanks to Dan and Bill for sharing their insights!
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