Here’s a message from Deputy Chief Drew Smith regarding the multi-vehicle accident that occurred last week on Palatine Road:
Prospect Heights and Wheeling Fire Departments have a coordinated response for incidents along Palatine Road. A unified command structure ensures that we can respond quickly, no matter which jurisdiction is involved. The road runs east-west for three miles and crosses into both towns multiple times, sometimes serving as a border between them. There are also four bridges and only three interchanges where emergency vehicles can access the road.
When the RED Center receives a 9-1-1 call about an incident, a dual response is dispatched, with each department approaching from opposite directions. This strategy ensures that if one side of the road is blocked by traffic, the other department can still reach the scene quickly. Once the first unit arrives on site, the location is confirmed, and additional units can be sent in or redirected accordingly.
If the incident is reported as a "pin-in" (a vehicle trapped and requiring extrication), additional rescue companies are instructed to stage before entering Palatine Road and wait for the first unit to confirm the best approach. I’ve included a map that shows the three grids and the entry points for each department.
Grid 923
Grid 3923
Grid 3924
Companies
Entry Point
Companies
Entry Point
Companies
Entry Point
A9, E9
A23, E23
Schoenbeck
Wheeling Rd.
A9, E39
A23, E23
Wolf Rd.
Wheeling Rd.
A9, E39
A24, E24
Wolf Rd.
Milwaukee Ave.
In the case of a pin-in, Prospect Heights E39 or Squad 9, along with Wheeling E24 and the Wheeling squad or engine, should be staged at the appropriate location. The map provides a clear visual guide for all responding units.
For reference, here is the attached map showing the grid system and entry points for joint responses on Palatine Road.
Prospect Heights FPD and Wheeling FD grid map for Palatine Road joint responses.
You can also view a video explanation of the response plan below:
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