Everyone is familiar with driving etiquette when emergency vehicles are present—pull over to the side of the road to allow space for ambulance, fire department or police department responders to help those in need of emergency services.
But what if in addition to the familiar lights and vehicles we’re accustomed to seeing, a typical driver also sees a new, additional response vehicle speeding to the scene of an accident or health incident to deliver urgent care?
Thanks to generous donations from the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund and Hatzalah Chicago, NorthShore University Health System (NorthShore) took possession of a Ford Explorer and outfitted it with emergency lights, sirens, communications capabilities and lifesaving medical equipment. The new rapid-response emergency service—the Physician Response Vehicle (PRV) program—allows a doctor in a specially equipped vehicle to respond to emergencies alongside firefighters and paramedics, providing advanced medical care at the scene.
The physician on call and the vehicle are based at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital and will respond to select emergency calls in Deerfield, with hopes to expand to Glencoe, Highland Park and Northbrook. The program’s initial phase will include one PRV physician to respond to emergencies at least one or two days per week between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ben Feinzimer, DO, MS, EMS Medical Director for Illinois EMS Region X at Highland Park Hospital, developed the program and brought it to NorthShore after having success with it in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
“This program strengthens the overall care continuum—from 911 interactions to hospital discharge—adding a physician-level resource to prehospital patient care,” Dr. Feinzimer said.
Dr. Feinzimer and his team also welcome any opportunities to serve as a community resource. They’re available for school presentations/career days, community-based lectures, or any other projects aimed at improving healthcare access and understanding.
To learn more about how you can support the PRV’s emergency response efforts, please contact Walt Cody, Director of Philanthropy, at the NorthShore Foundation: 224.364.7204 or wcody@northshore.org.
