Chicago Sun-Times
CHICAGO — On the eve of a dramatic upgrade in ambulance service, the Chicago Fire Department is making changes that, union leaders warn, could put the lives of paramedics and the public in danger.
Self-contained breathing apparatus are being removed from all 75 Chicago ambulances. In addition, roughly 70 paramedics graduating from the fire academy on Sunday will not be issued fire helmets, boots and protective clothing, known as bunker gear, that are standard issue for firefighters.
Without breathing masks and [air] tanks, veteran paramedic Pat Fitzmaurice said paramedics will no longer be able to go into a burning high-rise--or subway after a derailment, collision or explosion--to rescue victims or firefighters in distress.
Full story: Ambulance changes put paramedics and Chicago public at risk