Evanston Fire Department history Part 72

From Phil Stenholm:

Another installment about History of Evanston Fire Department

9-1-1 â€” WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY?

Emergency services have evolved significantly over the years, and one of the most important developments was the introduction of the 9-1-1 system. While the concept of a centralized emergency number first appeared in England in 1937 with the number 9-9-9, it wasnâ€™t until 1968 that the U.S. began exploring a nationwide emergency number. However, it took several more years before the system became widely available across the country. In Illinois, Evanston and Chicago were among the first to implement 9-1-1 service, both adopting it in 1974. One key difference between the two cities was how calls were handled: in Evanston, the person answering the call also dispatched the response, whereas in Chicago, the call had to be transferred to a separate dispatcher, which could slow down the process.

Before 9-1-1, people had to dial specific numbers or ask an operator to connect them to police or fire services, which wasnâ€™t always efficient. The 9-1-1 system simplified this by allowing anyone to report emergencies without needing to remember complex numbers or rely on operators. Additionally, if someone couldnâ€™t speak, the call could be â€œlocked inâ€ and traced, helping emergency responders locate the caller. To promote awareness, Evanston placed bumper stickers on all its police and fire vehicles in 1974, reminding residents to "DIAL 9-1-1 TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY."

The concept of paramedics in civilian life began gaining traction in the late 1960s, especially in cities looking to improve emergency medical care. A major boost came from the 1972 TV series *Emergency!*, which showcased paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. What made their program unique was that firefighters were trained as paramedics, combining their roles in rescue and medical response. This model influenced other departments, including those in the Chicago area, where ambulance services were already established.

In 1973, the Niles Fire Department became one of the first in the region to launch a paramedic program, followed by Skokie in 1975. The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) introduced its first paramedic-staffed Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances in July 1974, replacing older Basic Life Support (BLS) units. These new Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances marked a significant shift in emergency medical care, offering more advanced treatment at the scene.

Evanston tested an MICU ambulance in 1974, borrowing a unit from the State of Illinois Department of Public Health. It was a modular ambulance, meaning it had a cab and chassis with a removable box on top. Assigned to Squad 21, it responded to emergency calls throughout the summer. For inhalator calls outside the first-due area, an engine company would act as a first responder. Meanwhile, three police station-wagon ambulances were still in use, but they were limited in availability and staffing.

Mayor Jim Staples proposed that the police department, not the fire department, should operate the MICUs, believing that police officers could provide 24/7 emergency medical service like patrol cars. However, Police Chief William McHugh strongly opposed the idea, citing rising crime and limited resources. Eventually, the city assigned the EMS program to the Evanston Fire Department, and seven firefighters were trained as paramedics at St. Francis Hospital in 1975.

Alongside these changes, the EFD also modernized its equipment. In 1973, the city approved funding for a new 1,000-GPM pumper with a 300-gallon water tank. Two bids were received, and Howe was selected due to the lower cost. The pumpers were painted safety yellow, featured rear-facing jump seats, and had electronic sirens to reduce noise. They also included a top-mounted booster reel for quick deployment at various types of fires.

In addition, the EFD acquired a 1974 Dodge van to replace an older pickup truck. It was used for maintenance, transport, and emergency response. The van was also painted safety yellow. Other equipment, such as the WWII-era DUKW amphibious vehicle and a rescue trailer, were retired, and a Boston Whaler replaced the DUKW as the Lake Michigan rescue boat.

By the end of 1974, the first new pumper was deployed at Station #3, and the second arrived in 1975. The old Seagrave pumpers were either placed in reserve or sold. These upgrades marked a turning point for the Evanston Fire Department, reflecting its commitment to improving public safety and emergency response capabilities.

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