The Chicago Fire Department Ride-Along Program gives qualified professionals an unparalleled view of CFD emergency medical operations. Since the program launched on January 1, 2011, the Chicago Fire Department's Bureau of Operations Division of Training has welcomed eligible participants to observe active ambulance calls and fire department emergency services firsthand.
The program accepts applications from a specific group of professionals: affiliated physicians and nurses currently practicing emergency medicine at a Chicago-area institution, EMT students enrolled in accredited emergency medical services training programs, off-duty Chicago Fire Department members pursuing EMT certification, FBI personnel with verified EMT credentials, and police department EMTs with appropriate departmental authorization. All participants must meet the requirements set by the Chicago Fire Department before their requested ride-along date. Contact your district's supervising officer for current eligibility guidelines.
Download and complete the official Chicago Fire Department Ride Form to begin your application. The form collects personal contact information, professional affiliation details, and information about your emergency medical services training and qualifications within the Chicago fire services area. Once completed, submit the Chicago ambulance ride along form together with supporting documentation: a notarized waiver of liability and a valid state-issued ID. Applications must reach the appropriate Chicago Fire Department district office at least two weeks before your requested date. Some districts may require additional information or department-specific approval from your supervising officer.
Approved participants join Chicago Fire Department personnel on active emergency medical service calls throughout the city. The experience covers Chicago Fire Department apparatus and equipment operations, emergency response protocols, and the roles of various department officers and members during live incidents. All participants must comply with Chicago Fire Department directives, follow all safety protocols established by the Bureau of Operations Division of Training, and remain under direct supervision of the assigned CFD officer throughout the entire ride-along. The program gives participants an in-depth look at the work of one of the busiest fire departments in the United States and builds practical understanding of Chicago's emergency medical services infrastructure.
The Chicago Fire Department ride-along application process carries several compliance requirements that all participants must satisfy before approval. Applicants must provide a notarized waiver of liability acknowledging the risks of the ride-along environment, a valid state-issued ID confirming identity and eligibility, and any additional certifications required by the supervising department or the CFD Bureau of Operations. The Chicago Fire Department reserves the right to deny or reschedule applications based on current operational needs, apparatus availability, and district scheduling. Contact your local CFD district office for specific submission instructions and to identify the correct chain of command for your ride-along request.
For other related emergency services forms available on FormsPal, see the ambulance inspection form, the ambulance report form, and the EMT trauma assessment. You can also find the fire department pre-plan form and the adult emergency form in the FormsPal library.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | Chicago Fire Department Ride Form |
| Form Length | 3 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 45 sec |
| Other names | chicago fire sacred ground, chicago ambulance ride along form, fire department ride along program, chicago along program |