From PoliticEarly&Often:
As the Chicago Fire Department prepares for a major overhaul of its ambulance services, it’s making changes that have raised serious concerns among union leaders, who warn these adjustments could endanger both paramedics and the public.
One of the most controversial moves is the removal of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) from all 75 ambulances in the city. Additionally, about 70 new paramedics graduating from the fire academy this Sunday will not receive standard firefighter gear, including helmets, boots, and bunker suits—equipment typically issued to firefighters.
Without access to breathing masks and oxygen tanks, veteran paramedic Pat Fitzmaurice says paramedics will no longer be able to enter burning buildings or hazardous environments like subways after an accident. This could prevent them from rescuing victims or even helping firefighters in distress.
Instead, paramedics may now be stationed further away from the scene—perhaps just a block or two back—which could add critical seconds or even minutes to emergency response times. In life-threatening situations, every second counts.
The decision was made by Deputy Fire Commissioner John McNicholas, who issued an order stating that SCBA units would be removed from all ambulance units starting September 20. However, the reason behind the move wasn’t clearly explained.
The Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 has filed a formal grievance, arguing that the changes violate their contract with the city and put residents at risk, especially as global terrorism threats remain high and Chicago is considered a prime target due to its infrastructure and population density.
“The timing of this change is suspicious,†said union representative Ryan in a message to the Chicago Sun-Times. “We need to be ready for any emergency, especially the worst-case scenarios.â€
In response, Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Langford defended the decision, stating that the department is simply aligning with national standards. He explained that single-role paramedics do not respond to fires or hazardous incidents and therefore don’t require the same equipment as full-time firefighters.
Langford also noted that new paramedics will be given more comfortable, EMS-specific gear, including traditional helmets, waterproof boots, and clothing designed to protect against patient fluids. Existing paramedics will keep their current gear until it needs to be replaced.
However, Fitzmaurice remains unconvinced. He argues that the changes make little sense when most 911 calls are for medical emergencies, not fires. Without SCBA, paramedics can't safely approach toxic environments, which could cost lives.
He recalled a recent incident where paramedics used their breathing gear to save a firefighter who had gone into cardiac arrest. Another example came on Valentine's Day 2013, when paramedics entered a burning house to rescue someone who had gone in to find a child.
This decision comes as the Chicago Fire 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 units, giving the city 75 ambulances equipped to handle the most complex medical cases.
The shift follows investigations that found the old system failed to meet response time standards. A new firefighters’ contract also includes a committee tasked with evaluating the need for even more ambulances. Meanwhile, another study is looking at potential relocations, causing concern among local officials on the Northwest Side.
Thanks, Scott
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