The Huntley Fire Protection District is one of the largest fire districts in McHenry and Kane County. Over 6100 Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Service, and Rescue calls are handled by five fire stations and full-time and part-time firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. The Department is responsible for over 55 square miles in Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Union Gilbert, and Algonquin.
Lt. Brian Harders, Director of EMS said, “We finished 2021 with a new record of 6,136 emergency responses, a 15% increase from 2020. An average of 16.8 emergency requests a day. We have currently a staff of 19 at a minimum working each day.”
Director of Mobile Integrated Health, Lt. Kelly Gitzke, said, “We are hiring. We have a training program for our new hires transitioning them from Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) to Paramedics.”
What is Mobile Integrated Health?
Gitzke said, “Mobile Integrated Healthcare prevents or circumvents 9-1-1 calls. We are hoping to reduce 9-1-1 calls by visiting High Utilizers and following up on their medical needs and going over safety checklists.”
What are some of the items that they cover in the safety check?
“We make sure that the proper equipment is in a place like grab bars in the bathroom, the home has non-slip rugs and if they have a walker, that they use it,” Gitzke said.
What can residents do to help?
Gitzke and Harders give these suggestions.
• Check those smoke detectors twice a year. Ask your family to change those batteries during a visit. The hard-wired smoke detectors will last about 10 years and will have to be changed.
• Use the Safety Check List on the Fire Department’s website huntleyfpd.org/.
• Make sure you have the File of Life card on your Refrigerator. The File of Life program enables paramedics to obtain a quick medical history whenever the patient is unable to offer one. The file is intended to remain on the refrigerator in your home and is easy to find. Emergency personnel is trained to seek out the easily identified red pouch. These are available through the Huntley Fire Department Website or at Sun City’s front desk.
• Indicate the location of your Advanced Directives on your File of Life Card and keep them updated.
• Help us get into your home when you are not able to open the door. Fill out a Premise Alert Program Form. We keep the information in a secure database for access only in the case of an emergency and we are called to your home and cannot get in to assist you. The Form is available for download at huntleyfpd.org/premise-alert/
• Also, you can purchase the Residential Knox-Box®, a high-security key safe designed for single-family homes that only local emergency responders can access. They simply remove your entrance key stored inside, provide medical assistance and re-lock your door when they leave.”
When it comes to medical professionals, Huntley paramedics are one-of-a-kind, exhibiting selflessness and reliability along with first-class support and care. Many residents have expressed their appreciation for the immediate care given.
Pat Storer said, “It was at least ten years ago when my mom was living one mile away from me here in Sun City when I went down to visit her one day and found her almost “unresponsive.” I told my husband we were in trouble and he quickly turned around and we pulled up in the driveway of the rescue station close to Heritage Woods. I ran in and told them I had someone in distress in my car. They were quick to assess her – put her in their ambulance, and away we went. Those paramedics saved her life.”
Linda Krensis said, “They were there in a flash when I passed out a store in Huntley. Great care and compassion.”
Adrianne Carol Kaplan said, “I just want to say they are very gentle, caring, knowledgeable, and have a good sense of humor.”
Rich Pearl said, “I have had a few visits from our fantastic paramedics in the past few years. Once a few years ago at 4 a.m. and the weather was 15 below. And more recently in our clubhouse when I collapsed. Each time their arrival brought me a sense that today I’m going to be alright. Those I have met were just wonderful people who took very good care of this guy they had never met. Treated me like I was their family. They’re awesome.”
First responders always appreciate the public’s help.
Gitzke said, “Check up on your neighbors. Helping your friends and neighbors, making sure they are okay, is not being nosy. It’s showing you care.”
