Des Plaines ambulance controversy

Des Plaines ambulance controversy

Des Plaines is now at the center of a heated debate over the purchase of a new ambulance, with local officials and firefighters divided over whether a vertical exhaust system is necessary. The Daily Herald reported that the city was preparing to join an exclusive group of suburban municipalities by acquiring a vertical exhaust ambulance—argued by some to be safer due to its ability to release diesel fumes higher above ground, away from firefighters and the public. However, not everyone is convinced. Fire Chief Alan Wax and Mayor Matt Bogusz have expressed concerns that the decision to go with a vertical exhaust system may be addressing a problem that doesn’t exist. On Monday, Bogusz took decisive action by casting the tie-breaking vote to rescind the purchase, effectively halting the deal. Fifth Ward Alderman Jim Brookman, a retired firefighter who had strongly advocated for the vertical exhaust option, called the move “improper and illegal.” He plans to seek an official opinion from the Illinois Attorney General. Brookman argued that the city should go “above and beyond” in protecting both firefighters and the public from harmful diesel emissions, citing World Health Organization studies linking diesel fumes to cancer risk. During a March 3 council meeting, he became emotional when discussing firefighters he knew who had died from cancer, including his best friend. Mayor Bogusz, on the other hand, emphasized that the decision wasn’t a policy matter but rather an operational one. He believes the city should focus more on long-term policy decisions rather than individual purchases. While the council had approved the vertical exhaust ambulance in March, the fire department never actually made the purchase. Fire Chief Wax explained that the current horizontal exhaust ambulances meet modern emission standards, which disperse fumes more quickly. His team also surveyed 40 neighboring communities, including Evanston and Winnetka, which already use vertical exhaust systems. However, he noted that manufacturers report very few vertical exhaust ambulances being sold, suggesting limited demand. Brookman and Wax had a heated exchange during a recent meeting, with Brookman insisting that diesel fumes are unavoidable when working on ambulances. “There’s no way to be on the ambulance and not breathe diesel fumes,” he said. Wax, however, claimed there was no evidence that fumes were entering the vehicles. The cost of the vertical exhaust system was relatively low—just $1,500 per ambulance—but retrofitting fire stations with capture systems would cost $75,000. Despite this, the council ultimately rejected the vertical option, and a subsequent attempt to approve a horizontal exhaust ambulance failed due to lack of support. Wax has since indicated that the fire department will try again to secure a new ambulance purchase at a later date. The department currently operates five ambulances and follows an annual replacement schedule. The controversy highlights a broader debate about safety, cost, and the role of local government in making health-related decisions.

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