🚑 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Operations
The Zion Fire & Rescue Department proudly provides pre-hospital emergency medical care and transport for the City of Zion’s approximately 25,000 residents within an 8.2 square mile service area. Our mission is to deliver rapid, compassionate, and professional medical care in every emergency situation.
- Population Served: ~25,000 residents
- Coverage Area: 8.2 square miles
- Personnel: 24 full-time paramedics
- Shift Structure: 3 shifts, 8 personnel each
- Minimum Daily Staffing: 6 personnel on duty, 24 hours a day
- EMS System: North Lake County EMS
Advanced Life Support Capabilities
The Zion Fire & Rescue Department operates three MICU ambulances (Mobile Intensive Care Units), each fully equipped and certified for Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergencies. Every ambulance is staffed by two state-certified paramedics trained in advanced airway management, cardiac care, trauma response, and pediatric emergencies.
Each emergency medical call receives a response from an MICU unit within the appropriate district. If additional help is required, the ambulance crew can request an engine company—also staffed with at least two paramedics—for scene support or patient assistance.
Additionally, the department maintains one ALS-equipped engine certified by the State of Illinois as a non-transport vehicle. This unit can initiate advanced life support procedures when ambulances are already committed to other incidents.
Cooperative Response Programs
The Zion Fire & Rescue Department participates in an automatic aid program known as Quad One, a partnership with neighboring departments to ensure seamless emergency medical coverage and mutual support. Participating agencies include:
- Beach Park Fire Department
- Newport Fire Department
- Winthrop Harbor Fire Department
This collaborative system ensures immediate access to additional ambulances and EMS personnel when multiple emergencies occur simultaneously or when large-scale incidents require extra assistance.
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS)
For major emergencies, the department is an active member of the statewide Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS). This system allows any participating department in Illinois to request rapid aid from other agencies across Lake County and beyond—providing access to specialized teams, additional ambulances, and critical resources when needed most.
Through training, technology, and teamwork, the Zion Fire & Rescue Department’s EMS Division delivers lifesaving care with professionalism, speed, and compassion—24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
