The Elgin Fire Department announces two more Paramedic Engines were placed in service on Friday April 20, 2012.
“Today we have doubled the Advanced Life Support capabilities on the east side of Elgin. Our fire engines will now be able to deliver life saving paramedic care to the residents of our community.” Fire Chief John Fahy stated.
Earlier this month, the city council approved a plan to upgrade all front line fire engines to paramedic engines. The vehicles were modified in house by the fire departments fleet management division to carry the needed equipment for Advanced Life Support capabilities. Sherman hospital inspects the engines for appropriate equipment and then issues the certification.
The fire department responds to over 11,000 calls annually. 8300 of those calls are for Emergency Medical services with the balance for Fire related services.
“These changes in service are a direct response to the needs of our community. As Elgin grows and as our population ages we are better able to respond to calls for service with Paramedic Engines in the fleet” Fahy said
The fire department hopes to have its remaining fire engines upgraded to paramedic engines by mid-summer.