CFD collecting bunker gear from paramedics

Extracts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com:

About two years ago, the city of Chicago decided to remove self-contained breathing apparatus from all 75 of its ambulances. To make matters worse, 70 paramedics graduating from the fire academy didn’t receive bunker gear either. Now, the fire department is in the process of collecting this protective gear from all paramedics.

Tom Ryan, president of the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, expressed his concerns about this move in a recent text message. He stated, “Local 2 believes the removal of the bunker gear from our paramedics is not in the best interest of our membership.” The decision to take away equipment specifically purchased for paramedics was made public in a memo dated May 4th. This memo, signed by Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Mark Nielsen, who oversees the Bureau of Operations, outlined specific pick-up locations and dates, beginning May 15th and concluding June 5th.

The memo specified that paramedics should return “(1) bunker coat, (1) bunker pants, (1) bunker suspenders,” and paramedic field chiefs were instructed to return their “face pieces.” Nielsen added, “Members who are missing equipment shall follow current policies and procedures for lost or stolen equipment and shall submit a Form 2 through the chain of command to District Chief Juan Hernandez. Members shall be held accountable for the replacement cost of missing items per the collective bargaining agreement.”

Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford admitted that removing bunker gear from veteran paramedics marked the end of an era for the Chicago Fire Department. However, he firmly denied that it posed any danger. Langford explained in an email to the Chicago Sun-Times, “They’ve had it for a long time, but clearly they didn’t need it since they’re NEVER sent into areas where they’d need to wear such gear. If a situation arises that requires a paramedic to enter a fire area or a dangerous location, they’ll send in a firefighter/paramedic, not a single-role paramedic. Since ambulance paramedics don’t go into those situations, they don’t need that kind of gear.”

Langford highlighted the differences between paramedics and emergency medical technicians. “EMTs are firefighters and they do have full bunker gear because they work on engines and trucks. Only paramedics now work ambulances. That’s been the case for over a year. Paramedics have bunker gear, but they don’t use it because they don’t enter fire areas. So, we decided to replace the bunker gear for paramedics after the current stuff expires. They will now get clothing that’s lighter in weight and better suited for protecting against fluids and such. Ambulance paramedics never go into fires or dangerous areas—so why put them in full bunker gear? The same goes for breathing tanks. Ambulance paramedics didn’t have a need for them, so they were eliminated as well.”

A seasoned paramedic, who wished to remain anonymous, argued that this policy change effectively prevents paramedics from approaching fire buildings or participating in car extractions. He recounted an incident from a few years back when a single-room occupancy hotel at Jackson and Kedzie caught fire. People were jumping out of the building, and paramedics had to rush inside to assist them. Glass and other debris were falling everywhere. The paramedic described this policy change as further proof of the second-class status paramedics have endured under the four-year tenure of Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago. Despite the fact that two-thirds of the calls are for emergency medical services, paramedics continue to face reduced privileges.

Two years ago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel negotiated a new five-year contract that granted Chicago firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians an 11% pay increase over five years. However, this came at the cost of ending free healthcare for those retiring between the ages of 55 and 65. The agreement also called for a significant upgrade in ambulance care, converting all 15 of Chicago’s basic-life-support ambulances into advanced-life-support units, thus equipping Chicago’s 75 ambulances with the highest level of care possible.

This contract helped Emanuel secure the unexpected endorsement of Local 2, four years after the union backed his rival, Gery Chico, in the mayoral race. However, a newly formed political action committee established by 100 paramedics supported Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. Garcia, a former mayoral challenger, promised to expand Chicago’s fleet of 75 advanced-life-support ambulances, create an emergency medical services commissioner equivalent to the fire commissioner, and establish the paramedic officer position as a tested role.

Thanks, Dan!

Metal Laser Cutting

Metal laser cutting is a highly precise and efficient method in Sheet Metal Fabrication, revolutionizing the production of complex shapes and components across industries. This category delves into the technologies, applications, and innovations driving modern laser cutting processes:

1. Laser Cutting Technologies

   • CO2 Lasers: Ideal for cutting thicker materials (e.g., steel, acrylic) with smooth edges, widely used in industrial manufacturing.

   • Fiber Lasers: Superior for thin to medium metals (stainless steel, aluminum) and reflective materials, offering faster speeds and lower energy consumption.

2. Material & Thickness Adaptability
   Laser cutting handles diverse metals, including carbon steel (up to 25mm), stainless steel (up to 20mm), and aluminum (up to 12mm), with minimal thermal distortion.

3. Key Advantages

   • Precision: Achieves tolerances as tight as ±0.1mm, enabling intricate designs and fine details.

   • Speed & Efficiency: Automated CNC systems optimize cutting paths for rapid production.

   • Versatility: Processes flat sheets, tubes, and 3D geometries for prototyping and mass production.

4. Industry Applications

   • Automotive: High-precision body panels, brackets, and exhaust components.

   • Aerospace: Lightweight structural parts with complex contours.

   • Electronics: Micro-cutting for enclosures and heat sinks.

5. Quality & Innovation

   • Employs advanced software for nesting optimization to reduce material waste.

   • Integrates AI-driven systems for real-time adjustments and defect detection.

   • Emerging trends include hybrid machines combining laser cutting with additive manufacturing.

Metal laser cutting, precision cutting, sheet metal cutting, CNC laser cutting, industrial cutting, steel cutting, aluminum cutting, stainless steel cutting, cutting accuracy, automated laser systems, automotive cutting, aerospace components, prototyping.

Dongguan Shangen Precision Metal Plate Co., Ltd. , https://www.shangenmetal.com