Buffalo Grove, ILBuffalo Grove

In the 1970’s, EMS was a new profession, and EMS practitioners had only just started to be recognized as a critical component of emergency medicine and the public health safety net.

So much has changed since then. EMS is now firmly established as an essential public function and a vital component of the medical care continuum. On any given day, EMS practitioners help save lives by responding to medical emergencies, including heart attacks, difficulty breathing, a fall or an accident, drowning, cardiac arrest, stroke, drug overdoses or acute illnesses. EMS can provide both basic and advanced medical care at the scene of an emergency and as patients are being transported to the hospital. EMS practitioners care for their patients' medical needs during their most difficult moments. This year’s national theme, “EMS Strong: Beyond the Call”, underscores the dedication, commitment, and hard work of those who are integral parts of the EMS community.

The Buffalo Grove Fire Department has more than 14 paramedics on duty every day that respond from three stations with up to three Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and three Medic-Engines. According to Illinois State Law, the ambulance must transport seriously injured or ill patients to the closest hospital - which in Buffalo Grove is normally Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights or Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. However, if the patient is stable, and medical control approves, the ambulance may also transport to Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview or Highland Park Hospital in Highland Park. On rare occasions certain trauma patients may be transported to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

The men and women of the Buffalo Grove Fire Department are always willing, ready and able to assist residents and visitors to Buffalo Grove in their time of need.