Here's a summary of recent developments regarding equipment changes within the Chicago Fire Department, shared via excerpts from ChicagoSunTimes.com:
Two years ago, the city made a significant move by removing self-contained breathing apparatus from all 75 ambulances across Chicago. Additionally, 70 paramedics who recently graduated from the fire academy didn't receive bunker gear. Now, the department is in the process of collecting this protective gear from all paramedics. This shift marks a notable change in policy that has sparked concerns among both union leaders and experienced paramedics.
In a text message, Tom Ryan, the president of the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, expressed his opposition to the decision. He emphasized that the removal of equipment specifically purchased for paramedics isn't in the best interest of union members. The directive to retrieve the bunker gear was outlined in a memo dated May 4th, signed by Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner Mark Nielsen, who oversees the Bureau of Operations. The memo provided a timeline for returning the gear, starting May 15th and concluding on June 5th. Specifically, the memo instructed paramedics to return one bunker coat, one pair of bunker pants, one set of bunker suspenders, and field chief paramedics were also required to return their facepieces.
Fire Department spokesperson Larry Langford acknowledged that the move signifies the conclusion of an era for the department. However, he insisted that this decision wasn't dangerous. According to Langford, paramedics haven't needed this gear because they're never dispatched to hazardous locations like burning buildings. Instead, firefighters equipped with full bunker gear handle these situations. Langford explained that EMTs, who are also firefighters, are the ones who wear full protective gear since they operate on engines and trucks. By contrast, paramedics only work on ambulances, a distinction that has existed for over a year. Langford added that paramedics currently have access to bunker gear, but they don't utilize it because they don't enter fire zones. As such, the department decided to replace the old bunker gear with new attire once the current stock expires. These new uniforms will be lighter and offer protection against bodily fluids, which aligns more closely with the tasks paramedics perform daily.
However, a seasoned paramedic, who wished to remain unnamed, voiced strong disagreement with the policy change. They argued that paramedics can no longer approach dangerous scenarios such as burning structures or vehicle extractions. The paramedic cited a specific incident—a fire at a single-room occupancy hotel near Jackson and Kedzie where people were leaping from windows. In such cases, paramedics typically rush into the building to assist victims, navigating hazards like falling glass and debris. The paramedic described the policy adjustment as further proof of the diminished status paramedics have faced under the leadership of Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago. Despite handling approximately two-thirds of emergency medical calls, paramedics continue to face setbacks in terms of resources and respect.
It's worth noting that this change occurred amid a broader labor agreement reached two years prior. Then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel negotiated a five-year contract that granted a 11% pay increase to firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs over the next half-decade. However, this deal also eliminated free healthcare for retirees aged 55 to 65. The agreement also included a major enhancement to ambulance services, converting all 15 basic-life-support vehicles into advanced-life-support units. As a result, Chicago now boasts 75 ambulances capable of delivering top-tier medical assistance.
This contract earned Emanuel unexpected backing from Local 2, reversing their previous stance of supporting a rival candidate. Yet, a political action committee formed by 100 paramedics later endorsed Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, who had previously challenged Emanuel for mayor. Garcia pledged to expand Chicago's fleet of advanced life-support ambulances, introduce an EMS commissioner equivalent to the fire commissioner, and establish a testing system for paramedic officers.
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