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Does Chicago have a shortage of ambulances? (more)
Some recent reports have highlighted the growing controversy in Chicago regarding emergency medical services (EMS) response times and ambulance availability. These stories reveal a troubling pattern of delays that are putting patients' lives at risk.
CBS Chicago recently uncovered a memo sent to dispatchers, which has sparked concern among both first responders and the public. The memo, issued by a supervisor in the Office of Emergency Management, advises dispatchers to avoid using certain language when reporting on ambulance availability. Specifically, it discourages phrases like "we have no ALS ambulances available" — a term that could highlight the city’s current shortage of advanced life support units.
The issue stems from a reported lack of ambulances and paramedics, leading to dangerous delays for patients in need of urgent care. Dispatchers often find themselves in situations where they must ask, “Anybody available downtown that can take a run?†— a common call that paramedics say reflects the severity of the problem.
According to paramedic field chief Pat Fitzmaurice, the situation is dire: “It’s clear they have no ambulances, and it validates what we’ve been saying that they need more.†However, instead of addressing the root cause, city officials appear to be trying to downplay the issue, even instructing dispatchers to avoid mentioning the lack of resources.
This isn’t just an internal matter. The Better Government Association has long warned about the crisis, and CBS 2 has documented several alarming cases, including a 16-minute response time for a woman hit by a postal truck, a 22-minute wait for an elderly man with chest pain, and a 26-minute delay for an ALS response to a woman struggling to breathe.
The Fire Department has since called the 26-minute response “unacceptable†and is investigating the incident. They’ve also announced a review of their ambulance deployment to better meet the city’s needs.
EMS1.com has also weighed in, pointing out that the communication center plays a critical role in managing emergency responses. Dispatchers use technology like GPS and software to match incidents with the right resources. But in Chicago, it seems that the system is failing to keep track of available units effectively.
While other cities of similar size manage their EMS systems efficiently, Chicago appears to be lagging. This raises concerns about whether the problem is due to outdated procedures, insufficient training, or a lack of investment in infrastructure.
Ultimately, the issue goes beyond just adding more ambulances. It requires a comprehensive review of how resources are managed, how dispatchers are trained, and how the city prioritizes public safety. Until these changes are made, residents will continue to face unacceptable risks during emergencies.