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CBS and BGA take issue with CFD EMS response times
The Chicago Sun-Times recently published an article highlighting the Better Government Association’s (BGA) ongoing scrutiny of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), particularly concerning ambulance response times. The BGA has long monitored the CFD, given its critical role in emergency services — where timely action can mean the difference between life and death.
Their latest investigation into prolonged ambulance response times suggests a troubling pattern that demands immediate attention from the city's leadership. In January, a tragic incident occurred when a two-ton postal truck struck a woman near City Hall. It took 16 minutes for an ambulance to arrive — 10 minutes over the state-mandated six-minute limit — despite multiple fire stations nearby. While the woman survived with serious injuries, including broken bones, the next person in a similar situation may not be as fortunate.
Last fall, the city’s inspector general raised concerns about the CFD’s claims of meeting response time standards. According to the BGA’s findings, the department lacks a reliable system for tracking ambulance response times, making it difficult to assess whether conditions are improving or worsening. Paramedics report a shortage of fully equipped Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, and travel times have been increasing, leading to slower responses.
However, fire officials are unable to confirm or deny these claims due to the lack of consistent data collection. As a result, they’ve resorted to vague statements: “We have enough ambulances, but we might get more,†“We have enough paramedics, but we plan to hire more,†and “Response times aren’t bad, but we don’t really track them.†This lack of transparency is unprofessional and alarming.
This isn’t the only issue the BGA has uncovered. Previous investigations revealed a questionable pension deal for a former fire commissioner, a breakdown of an ambulance transporting a gunshot victim, paramedics taking a stabbing victim to the wrong hospital, and fire vehicles carrying expired medications.
To address these issues, the BGA recommends that the mayor’s top advisors meet directly with fire officials to tackle two urgent questions: Are there enough ALS ambulances on the road, and do they respond quickly enough? Based on current evidence, the answer appears to be no.
One potential solution is to convert some Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances — typically used for minor injuries — into ALS units capable of handling trauma cases. This could add up to 15 trauma-ready ambulances to the city’s fleet of around 60. Paramedics seem supportive of the idea, and the department is open to considering it.
Another option is to reallocate resources based on population shifts and changing needs. With fewer fire fatalities and a growing demand for emergency medical services, it may make sense to reduce the number of fire trucks and engines while increasing the number of ambulances.
Finally, in 2014, it’s time for the CFD to implement a proper tracking system for ambulance dispatch and response times. Other major cities do this, so why not Chicago, a city that prides itself on being world-class?
Thanks, Dan.