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 emergency services, the CFD plays a critical role in saving lives—when it functions properly. However, recent findings suggest that the department may be falling short, raising serious concerns about public safety. According to BGA’s latest investigation, there have been alarming delays in ambulance response times, which could put lives at risk. One notable incident occurred in January when a woman was struck by a two-ton postal truck near City Hall. It took 16 minutes for an ambulance to arrive—well beyond the state-mandated 6-minute response time. Despite the downtown area having multiple fire stations nearby, the delay left the victim with severe injuries, including broken bones. While she survived, the next person might not be as fortunate. Last fall, the city’s inspector general raised concerns about the CFD’s claims that it met response-time standards. The BGA’s investigation found that 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 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and longer travel times, leading to slower responses. However, the CFD is unable to confirm or deny these claims due to the lack of consistent data collection. Instead of addressing the issue head-on, officials seem to be using vague language. They claim they have enough ambulances and paramedics, but admit they may need more. They say response times aren’t bad, yet they can’t prove it. This lack of transparency is concerning, especially given the department’s history of other issues. Past investigations uncovered problems 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 even vehicles carrying expired medications. Given these findings, the BGA is urging the mayor’s office to take immediate action and meet with CFD officials. Two key questions must be addressed: Are there enough ALS ambulances on the road, and are they responding quickly enough? Based on current evidence, the answer seems to be no. A potential solution could involve converting some Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances—used for less severe cases—into ALS units, which are better equipped to handle trauma. This change could add around 15 trauma-ready ambulances to the city’s fleet of roughly 60. Paramedics support the idea, and the department has shown openness to considering it, which is a positive sign. Another option is to reallocate resources based on population shifts and changing needs. With fewer fire fatalities in recent years, 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 modern 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 New Energy Box-Type Substation New Energy Substation,Box-Type Substation,Energy Solutions Jiangsu Huayu Electric Co., Ltd , https://www.huayutransformer.com