From PoliticEarly&Often:
As the Chicago Fire Department prepares for a major upgrade in its ambulance services, it's making some controversial changes that have raised concerns among union leaders about the safety of paramedics and the public.
One of the most alarming changes is the removal of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units from all 75 city ambulances. Additionally, around 70 new paramedics graduating from the fire academy this Sunday won't be given standard firefighter gear, including helmets, boots, and bunker suits.
According to veteran paramedic Pat Fitzmaurice, these changes will prevent paramedics from entering burning buildings or hazardous environments like subway stations after an accident. Without masks and oxygen tanks, they may now be forced to wait blocks away, delaying critical care and potentially costing lives.
The decision, announced by Deputy Fire Commissioner John McNicholas, was made without explanation, leaving many questioning the reasoning behind such a move.
The Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 has filed a grievance, arguing that the changes violate their contract with the city and put residents at risk—especially given the current global threat of terrorism and the high number of potential targets in Chicago.
“The timing of this change is suspicious,†said union representative Ryan. “We need to be ready for any emergency, especially in a city like Chicago.â€
In response, Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Langford defended the decision, saying that single-role paramedics don’t typically enter burning structures or hazardous areas. He claimed they’re now being issued more comfortable gear better suited for EMS work, including a traditional helmet and fluid-resistant clothing.
But Fitzmaurice argues that the changes are illogical, especially as fire incidents decline and most 911 calls are for medical emergencies. “If we can’t get near a toxic environment, we lose precious time,†he said.
He also shared real-life examples where paramedics saved firefighters during cardiac arrests using SCBA, and recalled a 2013 incident where paramedics entered a burning house to rescue someone who had gone in to find a child.
This shift comes as the department ends a 15-year experiment with a two-tier ambulance system. Starting next week, all basic-life-support ambulances will be upgraded to advanced-life-support, bringing the total to 75 ambulances capable of providing top-tier care.
The change follows multiple investigations that found the old system failed to meet response time standards. A new firefighters' contract also calls for a committee to study the need for even more ambulances, while another study looks into repositioning existing ones—causing concern among local officials.
Thanks Scott
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