The Vital Link Program
“A Life is Priceless”
Facts regarding the program:
Contributions go directly to purchase items such as diagnostic equipment, patient ambulance cots, airway management supplies, and other important Paramedic patient care equipment.
The Vital Link program was originally established in 1973 as “Operation Heartbeat” under the leadership of Fire Chief Richard Niemi. In 1986, the programs title was changed to “Vital Link”.
Although the Waukegan Fire Department is publicly funded, it is often difficult to obtain everything our Paramedics may need through traditional sources. As an example, the average cost of an ambulance now exceeds 170,000 dollars (without equipment) while other items such as cardiac monitors can cost as much as $45,000 dollars.
Contributions to the Vital Link program help bridge the gap to support our Emergency Medical Services program which now has 5 ambulances, staffed by our licensed Firefighter/Paramedics.
Please consider a donation to support our Firefighter/Paramedics. The program also accepts donations as a memorial to a friend or loved one.