What is the significance of Chicago O'Hare International Airport in the EMS system?

• A. It is a geographical landmark referenced in EMS system boundaries
• B. It determines EMS response times
• C. It serves as the primary dispatch center
• D. It is the only hospital included in the EMS system

Answer: (A)

Boundaries in an EMS system are defined using recognizable geographic references so units know which area they cover and which hospitals or facilities serve that area. Chicago O’Hare International Airport serves as such a reference point in the Chicago EMS system. Using this landmark helps standardize service zones, guide resource deployment, and ensure consistent patient routing across the city. It isn’t a dispatch center, nor is it the only hospital in the system, and response times are influenced by distance and traffic, not by the airport itself.