The Chicago Fire Department now has a special events emergency response team incident's at all of the city's major special events.

“We are adapting our emergency response and safety standards to meet the needs of an increasing number of event attendees,” said Fire Commissioner Cortez Trotter.

“Our city events are growing every year. These larger crowds also cause greater congestion, making it difficult for regular ambulances, trucks and engines to get to those in need. Therefore, we must use vehicles that can maneuver through crowds and bring medical attention to injured victims or fire suppression to a fire or a hazmat situation.”

The SERT initiative will incorporate newly acquired Segways; mini response vehicles; and a rehab, emergency shelter and triage tent.

Six new Segways will provide Basic Life Support. Each comes equipped with three pouches, which will include an AED and basic first-aid items.

Two of the mini response vehicles will be equipped with medical equipment and staffed by two paramedics for Advanced Life Support response. A mini pumper equipped with a 60-gallon water and foam tank will provide support for fire suppression and hazmat incidents. Two mini utility vehicles will be used as special operations support for emergency incidents, and can be converted to EMS or suppression functions.

The rehab, emergency shelter and triage tent will be for victims who require medical attention at the scene of the event. This area also will serve as home base for the special event teams.