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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 ambulance response times in Chicago, particularly focusing on the Chicago Fire Department (CFD). As a city agency responsible for life-saving emergency services, the CFD is under intense public and media watch. When emergency response is timely, it can save lives; when it's delayed or inadequate, it can lead to preventable tragedies.
In their latest investigation, the BGA uncovered troubling data about ambulance response times, which suggests that the system is failing in critical ways. The report calls for urgent action from the Emanuel administration before a preventable death occurs. One recent incident that caught the attention of both the BGA and CBS2 involved a woman who was hit by a two-ton postal truck near City Hall in January. It took 16 minutes for an ambulance to arrive — 10 minutes beyond the state-mandated six-minute response time. Despite the downtown area being well-served by multiple fire stations, the delay left the victim with serious injuries, including broken bones. While she survived, the next person may not be so fortunate.
Last fall, the city’s inspector general raised concerns about the CFD’s claims that it met response-time standards. The BGA’s findings further support these doubts, as the department doesn’t seem to track ambulance response times effectively. This lack of data makes it difficult to assess whether the situation is improving or worsening. Paramedics have reported a shortage of Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, which are essential for handling trauma cases. They also note that travel times are increasing, leading to slower responses.
However, fire officials are unable to confirm or deny these claims because they don’t maintain consistent, long-term records of response times. Instead, they resort to vague statements: “We have enough ambulances,†they say, “but we might get more.†“We have enough paramedics,†they add, “but we plan to hire more.†“Response times aren’t bad,†they insist, “but we don’t really track them.†This kind of evasiveness is unprofessional and alarming, especially when it comes to matters of life and death.
The BGA has previously uncovered other issues within the CFD, such as a questionable pension deal for a former fire commissioner, an ambulance transporting a gunshot victim that broke down, paramedics taking a stabbing victim to the wrong hospital, and fire vehicles carrying expired medications. These incidents highlight a pattern of systemic problems that demand immediate attention.
To address these issues, the BGA recommends that the mayor’s top advisors meet with fire officials to tackle two critical questions: Are there enough ALS ambulances on the streets, and do they respond quickly enough? Based on current evidence, the answer appears to be no.
One potential solution is to convert some or all of the Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances — currently used for minor injuries — into ALS units that can handle more severe trauma cases. This could increase the number of trauma-ready ambulances by around 15, bringing the total to about 60. Paramedics seem supportive of this idea, and the department is open to exploring it, which is a positive sign.
Another option is to redistribute resources based on population shifts and changing needs. With fewer fire fatalities in recent years, including a record low in 2013, 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 adopt modern tracking systems that allow for accurate data collection and analysis. Other major fire departments across the country already do this, so why shouldn't a city like Chicago — often called a “world-class†city — follow suit?
Thanks, Dan.