Excerpts from shawlocal.com:
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District is facing a growing demand for emergency services. In 2022, they anticipate 7,400 calls for service—a 7.6% rise from 2021. This follows a significant 21% increase in ambulance calls over the past two years, highlighting a clear upward trend in the need for emergency response.
Like many sectors, the fire service is struggling with staffing shortages, longer equipment lead times, and supply chain delays. The declining number of people interested in becoming firefighters has led to a shift in hiring strategy. Earlier this year, the district made the decision to hire full-time firefighters for the first time, marking a major change from its previous mostly part-time workforce.
In December, the board of trustees approved the hiring of 12 full-time firefighter/paramedics as part of a transition away from a primarily part-time staff. Then, in May, another 12 full-time firefighters were added. These new hires join existing full-time office staff, lieutenants, battalion chiefs, and 90 part-time firefighters, ensuring 24/7 coverage across the district’s five stations.
With the rising call volume, the fire district now faces the challenge of adequately staffing and replacing its ambulance fleet. The district serves several communities, including Bull Valley, Johnsburg, Holiday Hills, Lakemoor, McCullom Lake, McHenry, Ringwood, portions of Wonder Lake and Island Lake, and unincorporated areas of McHenry County.
To address the increased demand, the district recently received a $361,000 grant from Advance McHenry County to purchase a sixth ambulance. They also have five more on order, part of a seven-year vehicle rotation plan. Two are expected by October, earlier than previously scheduled, while one will arrive in March 2023. Another two, ordered in July, won’t be delivered until 2024. When they place the grant-funded ambulance order, the department expects an 18-month to two-year lead time.
Currently, the district operates seven ambulances. Five are active and stationed at fire stations, while two are kept on standby for special events, high-volume periods, or in case one of the others is unavailable.
More ambulance calls are coming with longer transport times. The time it takes to transport a patient to a hospital and return can take from 30 minutes to more than an hour.To help manage the increasing call volume, the district has taken proactive steps. Falls, lift assists, and mental health evaluations account for about a third of all medical calls. The department is launching educational programs to prevent falls and collaborating with McHenry County social workers to reduce unnecessary mental health-related ambulance responses.
The impact of the pandemic on call volumes has also been significant. When the virus first hit in March 2020, ambulance calls dropped because patients were hesitant to go to the hospital. However, by summer, those who had delayed care began needing assistance. Since March 13, 2020, the district has transported 769 people with COVID-19.
Thanks, Rob
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