Evanston Fire Department history Part 72

From Phil Stenholm:

Another installment in the History of Evanston Fire Department

9-1-1 â€” WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY?

Before 9-1-1 became a familiar number, emergency response was more complicated. In 1937, England introduced an emergency number (9-9-9) for police, fire, or medical emergencies. However, it wasnâ€™t until 1968 that the concept of a universal emergency number took root in the United States. Even then, adoption was gradual. The first two Illinois communities to implement 9-1-1 were Chicago and Evanston, both in 1974. One key difference between the systems was that in Evanston, the person answering the call also handled dispatching, while in Chicago, calls had to be transferred to a separate dispatcher.

Prior to 9-1-1, people had to dial specific numbers or ask an operator to connect them to emergency services. This could be confusing and time-consuming. With 9-1-1, anyone could report an emergency without memorizing long numbers. Additionally, if someone couldnâ€™t speak, the call could be traced and locked in. To raise awareness, Evanstonâ€™s police and fire vehicles carried bumper stickers reading â€œDIAL 9-1-1 TO REPORT AN EMERGENCYâ€ in 1974.

The idea of paramedics in civilian settings began in the late 1960s, mainly to improve care for heart patients. A major boost came in 1972 with the TV show *Emergency!*, which showcased Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. What made their program unique was that firefighters were trained as paramedics. In the Chicago area, fire departments that already provided ambulance services were among the first to adopt paramedic training. The Niles Fire Department started a paramedic program in 1973, and Skokie followed in 1975 with advanced life support ambulances.

The Chicago Fire Department introduced its first two paramedic-staffed MICU ambulances in July 1974. These replaced older BLS units and marked a significant shift in emergency care. Meanwhile, Evanston borrowed a modular MICU ambulance from the State of Illinois in June 1974 for a 60-day test. It was used by Squad 21 and responded to inhalator calls across the city. An engine company often accompanied it for added support.

Evanston still had three police station-wagon ambulances in 1974, but they were limited in availability. The EFDâ€™s stretcher-equipped station wagons were mostly used during business hours and required engine company backup at night. Mayor Jim Staples, however, wanted the police department to handle paramedics instead of the fire department. Police Chief William McHugh strongly opposed this, arguing that the police were already stretched thin with rising crime and gang activity.

After careful consideration, the City Council approved the fire department to lead the EMS program. Seven firefighters were trained as paramedics at St. Francis Hospital in 1975. Though the fire department hadnâ€™t been the main provider of ambulance services, they had a long history of responding to emergencies, including inhalator calls since 1913.

In addition to the EMS program, the EFD was modernizing its equipment. In 1973, the city council approved funds for a new 1,000-GPM pumper with a 300-gallon tank. The Howe bid won the contract, and a second pumper was ordered the following year. These new pumpers, painted safety yellow, featured improved designs like rear-facing seats and electronic sirens to reduce noise. They also had a top-mounted booster reel for quick access during fires.

The department also acquired a 1974 Dodge van for utility use, replacing an older pickup. It was used for maintenance, transport, and emergency response. Alongside these changes, the EFD retired its WWII-era DUKW amphibious vehicle and a rescue trailer, replacing them with a Boston Whaler for lake rescues.

The first new pumper arrived in November 1974, and the second in May 1975. These marked a new era for the Evanston Fire Department, blending tradition with modernization to better serve the community.

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