Antioch looks into merging fire & EMS

The Lake County News-Sun recently published an article discussing the potential merger of emergency medical services (EMS) with the Antioch Fire Department. This development comes as officials continue to monitor the performance of the Antioch Rescue Squad (ARS), following a state investigation that uncovered several serious issues within the organization. Antioch officials have extended ARS’s contract for another 90 days to ensure the ambulance provider continues to comply with guidelines set by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The extension allows local leaders to closely watch the organization’s progress as it works to address internal challenges, including allegations of unprofessional conduct, confidentiality breaches, improper use of medications, and even cases where paramedics were found working under the influence of alcohol. These problems have been partly attributed to a lack of strong leadership within the non-profit group. Village Trustee Ted Poulos emphasized the importance of maintaining continuous oversight, stating, “I don’t want to go for any period of time without a contract. If there is a break in the contract, we won’t have any control over their operations.” Village Administrator James Keim, who authored a detailed report on EMS delivery in Antioch, believes that merging rescue and fire services could be the best solution moving forward. In his 14-page document, he highlights that while the current system is evolving, combining the two departments would significantly enhance the level of paramedic care available to residents. He noted that neighboring communities like Fox Lake, Grayslake, Lake Villa, Newport, Round Lake, and Salem, Wisconsin, all provide higher levels of EMS through integrated fire and rescue services. According to Keim’s research, ARS currently has 21 paramedics and 14 EMTs, while the fire department employs 32 paramedics and 12 EMTs. Combining these resources would result in a total of 53 paramedics and 26 EMTs—well above the average of 40 paramedics and 21 EMTs found in the six surrounding communities that operate under fire department oversight. The First Fire Protection District, which serves the township, has also renewed its 90-day contract with ARS. Over the next few months, officials from both the fire district and the village will explore ways to better coordinate rescue services and consider the possibility of full integration. Keim stressed that while he supports the idea of combining services, he does not believe the ARS should be eliminated. Instead, he advocates for a collaborative approach that ensures efficient and high-quality emergency care for the community. He also emphasized the need for a unified command structure to streamline operations. Fire Chief John Nixon, who oversees the fire department, has expressed support for extending the ARS contract but acknowledged that his team could quickly take over rescue services if needed. This ongoing discussion reflects a broader effort to improve emergency response in Antioch and ensure that residents receive the best possible care during critical moments. Read the full article here. Thanks, Jeff.

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