 The EFD responds to over 6,000 medical emergencies every year. They can happen at any time and when they do, there can be confusion, panic and urgency. You can take an important proactive step now that may help save your life or someone you care about, should a medical emergency occur at home. That step is using the File of L.I.F.E. (Lifesaving Information For Emergencies) program.
When paramedics arrive on the scene they quickly take control to assist those in need and will assign a member of the team to gather this important medical information about the patient. This information can make the difference between life and death when seconds count. Does the patient have prior medical conditions? Allergies? What medications are they taking? Who do they want us to call? How do we contact their family or friends?
File of L.I.F.E. provides these answers to responding paramedics quickly, even if you're unresponsive and allows paramedics to immediately begin the best possible treatment, notify loved ones, and pass this vital data on to awaiting physicians at the emergency room.
The File of L.I.F.E. is simply a plastic pouch with a bright red sticker that contains an information sheet for residents to indicate their medical history, prescriptions, allergies and emergency contacts. This pouch is then placed inside the individual’s freezer where emergency response personnel have been trained to look when responding to medical emergencies. Other important information may be placed in the pouch as well, like power of attorney, living will, and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) documentation.
Free File of L.I.F.E. pouches can be picked up at the Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave., or at any of Evanston’s five fire stations. Residents can also fill out and print the File of L.I.F.E. Form online and store it in an easy-to-find, sealable plastic bag in their freezer.
Our sincere thanks to the Evanston Police & Fire Foundation for supporting this worthwhile and nationally recognized program that has helped save thousands of lives across the country.
If you would like more information, please call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, Evanston residents may simply dial 3-1-1.
Stay Safe!
Brian R. Scott
Fire Chief
 This picture is from 2004 when the Evanston Fire Department was conducting "Save Your Own" drills at an acquired structure.
Below is a breakdown of recent emergency responses.
518 EMS Incidents
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302 Fire Incidents
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2 Cardiac Arrests
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EFD average response times for March:
3 min 31 sec from dispatch to emergency
NFPA average: 4 min or less
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Operations
Evanston Fire Department welcomes two new candidates, Jasmine Sandora and James Brown
The Evanston Fire Department would like to welcome the two newest members of the department, Jasmine Sandora and James Brown.
Candidate Sandora began her career with the Evanston Fire Department on March 18 as a Firefighter Basic. She holds an associate's degree in Applied Fire Science from McHenry County College, and obtained her paramedic license through Advocate Condell Medical Center in 2015. Candidate Sandora has worked with other fire departments on her journey to become a career firefighter with the City of Evanston. The department looks forward to many great things to come from Candidate Sandora.
Candidate Brown has been a resident of Evanston his entire life, graduating from Evanston Township High School and the Evanston Fire Explorers program. Candidate Brown obtained his Emergency Medical Technician Basic license (EMT-B) through Amita Health Saint Francis Hospital, completing his ride time with EFD in 2015. Candidate Brown began his career with the Evanston Fire Department on April 15, 2019 at the Romeoville Fire Academy, where he will complete a three-month course to obtain his Firefighter Basic.
The Evanston Fire Department is proud to have both members join this great organization.
Fire Prevention Bureau
SPRING CLEANUP FOR FIRE SAFETY
The snow has melted, the rain and wind are beginning to subside, and plants are budding. Spring is arriving and your thoughts may be turning to that dreaded ritual of spring cleaning. With it comes a timely reminder to keep your home safe from the threat of fire. In an effort to make this "Spring Cleanup" a fire safe one, the Evanston Fire Department provides the following safety tips:
- Clean your garage of stored newspapers or other rubbish that can fuel a fire.
- Test your smoke alarms monthly.
- To help prevent nuisance alarms, gently vacuum your smoke alarm every six months or as needed.
- Change batteries in smoke alarms, flashlights and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Never borrow smoke alarm batteries to use for toys or other equipment.
- Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Keep outdoor debris or dead vegetation away from the house.
- Properly dispose of oily or greasy rags. If these items must be stored, they should be kept in labeled, sealed, metal containers.
- If you store gasoline, keep it outside your home in a shed or detached garage. Keep only small quantities in tightly sealed containers. Use gasoline only as a motor fuel - never as a cleaning agent.
- Use outdoor barbecue grills with caution. Place them in a safe area away from the building, windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units or places with high/dead vegetation.
- Never use gasoline to start the fire, and don't add charcoal lighter fluid once the fire has started.
- Use barbecue grills outside only - not under overhangs or balconies, and away from combustibles.
- Check your propane barbecue grill hose for leaks and cracks; never store propane indoors. If you have any questions or would like clarification on any fire safety tips please contact the Evanston Fire Department (847) 448-8192 or at Fireservices@cityofevanston.org
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