Phil Stenholm offers an insightful historical account of the Evanston Fire Department (EFD) and its evolution into a key provider of emergency medical services in the city.
The EFD has been providing ambulance services to Evanston since 1976, though firefighters had been responding to medical emergencies as early as 1913. Before that, the Evanston Police Department (EPD) handled ambulance calls, using a horse-drawn ambulance from the 1890s. In 1916, the EPD upgraded to an automobile ambulance, stationed near the firehouse at 807 Grove Street. By 1958, the EPD and EFD began a cooperative program where police officers were trained as firefighters, leading to the use of station-wagons equipped with stretchers, first-aid supplies, and other emergency tools.
These two-man units responded to medical calls, fires, and regular police duties. However, by the mid-1960s, these units were reduced to one person, and cross-training for firefighters stopped. Still, the EPD continued to provide ambulance service with three patrol wagons.
In addition to the EPD’s vehicles, the EFD maintained three staff cars—F-5, F-1, and F-3—that served as backup ambulances when needed. A 90-day trial of a mobile intensive care unit (MICU) was conducted in 1974, loaned by the Illinois Department of Health. Though not fully equipped for advanced life support, it gave the EFD a chance to take over ambulance services temporarily.
Positive feedback led to the launch of the EFD’s paramedic program in 1975, with the goal of taking over ambulance services in 1976. However, Mayor Jim Staples initially wanted the EPD to retain control, fearing ambulances would be parked rather than on the street. This changed when Police Chief William McHugh noted that the EPD was already overwhelmed with crime-related calls.
The first EFD ambulance, a 1975 Dodge van donated by Washington National Insurance Company, entered service in January 1976. It was staffed by three firefighters, including two paramedics and a trainee. Ambulance 1 responded to all EMS calls, often working alone in its district or with a supporting engine elsewhere.
During 1976, the City Council approved a second MICU ambulance, with plans to replace Squad 21 entirely. But in November 1976, Ambulance 1 was severely damaged in a collision, forcing the Skokie Fire Department to lend a Cadillac ambulance until the new one arrived. The Cadillac became a reserve unit and was later purchased by Evanston.
Ambulance 2, a new MICU, joined the fleet in 1977. Both ambulances were ALS-equipped, but Ambulance 2 took priority for first-response calls, while Ambulance 1 handled fire calls and second-response EMS. The original Dodge ambulance was repaired and returned to service, maintaining the same response plan.
The Cadillac became Ambulance 3, initially a BLS unit, but it received ALS equipment in 1978. In 1980, two new Ford MICUs replaced the old ones, and the fleet was reorganized. Ambulances were assigned to different stations, with a clear division along Dempster Street.
In 1982, a shift in response strategy was introduced, alternating between Ambulance 1 and Ambulance 2. This helped crews manage their workload more effectively. Over time, the setup continued to evolve, with ambulances being moved and re-staffed based on need.
In 1986, Ambulance 2 was relocated to Station 4, aiming to improve city-wide coverage. A “jump company†plan was introduced in 1989, pairing engines with ambulances, but this proved problematic due to reduced engine availability. The plan was abandoned the following year, returning to a more traditional structure.
The EFD's ambulance system has continually adapted over the years, reflecting changes in technology, personnel training, and community needs. Today, it remains a vital part of emergency response in Evanston, built on a rich history of collaboration and innovation.
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