Antioch looks into merging fire & EMS

The Lake County News-Sun recently published an article discussing the potential merger of emergency medical services (EMS) with the Antioch Fire Department. This comes as local officials continue to monitor the operations of the Antioch Rescue Squad (ARS), following concerns raised by a state investigation. Antioch officials have extended the ARS contract for another 90 days, allowing them to closely evaluate whether the organization is adhering to recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The extension follows findings from a recent audit that uncovered serious internal issues, including allegations of unprofessional conduct, breaches of patient confidentiality, misuse of medications and IV fluids, and even instances of paramedics working under the influence of alcohol. These problems were partly attributed to a lack of strong leadership within the non-profit organization. Village Trustee Ted Poulos emphasized the importance of maintaining continuous oversight, stating, “I don’t want to go for any period of time without a contract. If there’s a break in the contract, we won’t have any control over their operations.” In response to these challenges, Village Administrator James Keim released a 14-page report titled “Village of Antioch EMS Delivery Report.” In it, he outlines the need for change and suggests that merging rescue services with the fire department could be the best path forward. “A lot is changing right now, and the organization is evolving,” Keim said. “I’ve spoken with many people involved with ARS, and I respect what they do. But the bottom line is that combining rescue and fire services makes sense.” According to Keim’s research, ARS currently has 21 paramedics and 14 EMTs on staff, while the fire department has 32 paramedics and 12 EMTs. Combining the two would result in 53 paramedics and 26 EMTs available to serve the community—exceeding the average of 40 paramedics and 21 EMTs found in neighboring communities like Fox Lake, Grayslake, Lake Villa, Newport, Round Lake, and Salem, Wis. The First Fire Protection District, which covers the township, has also renewed its 90-day contract with ARS. Over the next few months, officials from both the village and fire district will explore options for better coordination and possible integration of rescue and fire services. Keim stressed that while a full merger might not be necessary, a unified command structure would help streamline operations. “There are several ways to combine emergency services, but I recommend doing it under a single command,” he said. “I’m not suggesting the end of ARS, but rather finding a balanced approach that ensures quality care moving forward.” Fire Chief John Nixon, who oversees the fire department, supports extending the ARS contract. While his team could quickly take over rescue services if needed, he remains open to collaboration. This ongoing discussion highlights a growing trend in local emergency services: the need for efficiency, accountability, and better resource management. As Antioch evaluates its options, the focus remains on improving public safety and ensuring that residents receive the highest level of care. You can read the full article here. Thanks, Jeff.

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