Lynwood Fire Department cleared to upgrade ambulances to ALS by state

The Lynwood Fire Department reported at the Jan. 27 meeting that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has approved the department's request to upgrade ambulance service to Advanced Life Support (ALS). Chief LaShaun Alston told the board that the ALS change will allow ambulances to be staffed with one paramedic and one EMT, increasing on‑scene emergency care capacity.

The fire department provided a call volume summary showing 151 total calls since the reporting period: 113 medical/EMS calls (74.8%), 23 public service calls (15.2%), 10 no‑emergency calls (6.6%), 3 fire service calls (2.0%) and 2 hazardous situations (1.3%). Chief Alston also acknowledged personnel milestones, including completion of EMT‑B school and members entering paramedic and fire academy training.

The IDPH approval and the staffing model change were recorded in the department report submitted to the board.