By John Devona
Western Springs Patch
WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. — In 1948, Western Springs residents conducted a scrap drive and other fund-raisers that led to the purchase of the fire department’s first ambulance. And, quite an ambulance it was: a brand-new white Cadillac, labeled “First Aid No. 1” with an on-board oxygen tank and a “pulmotor” device for artificial respiration.
In 1972, the fire department adopted the State Emergency Medical Technician program and began training its personnel as EMT’s. And, while they now had better medical training and a more modern ambulance, they were still not allowed to administer drugs or use a defibrillator. Nor did they have the ability to converse with our local hospitals’ emergency rooms.
By 1977, paramedic programs were starting to develop across the United States, especially in larger cities. But not in most cash-strapped suburbs. For example, La Grange, La Grange Park, Brookfield, Hinsdale, and Western Springs were all discussing how to implement such service for their residents, including joint programs between multiple villages. However, due to the potential conflict with existing emergency personnel, the high cost of required training, higher paramedic salaries, insurance concerns, and the need for new equipment, little progress was being made.
Full Story (with photos): From “First Aid” to Paramedics in Just 31 Years