Dr. Stanley M. Zydlo, who led emergency medical services at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights for decades, was instrumental in establishing the nation's first multi-community paramedic and emergency medical technician system. Known as a visionary ahead of his time, Zydlo transformed emergency care by implementing measures that significantly improved survival rates.
As former Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins once remarked, "Stan was a man far ahead of his era. He envisioned a future where countless lives could be saved, and he made that vision come true." Zydlo passed away on June 3rd at the age of 81 due to cardiac arrest while being treated at Northwest Community Hospital. His wife noted that he had been battling poor health for some time.
Born and raised on Chicago's West Side, Zydlo grew up in a family deeply rooted in public service. His father, Stanley Zydlo Sr., was a prominent figure in local politics, serving as the 26th Ward alderman for over 15 years. After completing medical school at Loyola University, Zydlo served as a flight surgeon in the Air Force’s Strategic Air Command during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis. His duties included assessing the readiness of pilots and crew members tasked with carrying nuclear weapons, experiences that honed both his technical skills and his commitment to safeguarding human life.
After leaving the military in 1963, Zydlo established a medical practice in Wabash, Indiana. However, his career took a pivotal turn when he relocated to Chicago in 1969 to join Northwest Community Hospital. It was here that Zydlo noticed a glaring gap in pre-hospital care—ambulances were transporting patients without trained medical personnel to administer lifesaving interventions en route. This observation spurred him into action.
Larry Pairitz, Mount Prospect's fire chief from 1970 to 1986, recalled how Zydlo was approached to teach an EMT course for firefighters. Recognizing the potential of this initiative, Zydlo collaborated with Pairitz and community activist Janet Schwettman to advocate for statewide standards requiring fire departments to offer paramedic services. Despite initial skepticism from the medical community, Zydlo persevered, driven by the belief that every individual deserved access to quality emergency care regardless of their credentials.
In 1972, Governor Richard Ogilvie signed legislation authorizing the implementation of the paramedic system. By August, Northwest Community Hospital launched its Mobile Intensive Care Service, followed shortly by nine municipalities joining forces to form one of the earliest coordinated regional emergency medical systems in the U.S. Over time, this network expanded to encompass 25 participating agencies, including 22 fire departments and three private ambulance services.
Throughout his career, Zydlo not only shaped policy but also directly impacted countless lives through hands-on training sessions. In fact, he personally benefited from the very system he pioneered when he suffered a heart attack at home in 1978. Recalling that harrowing experience, Zydlo stated, "When I reached out to call for help, my condition was critical. But thanks to those skilled paramedics, I survived. There’s absolutely no question about it."
The legacy of Dr. Stanley M. Zydlo endures today, symbolized not only by the countless lives saved but also by tangible tributes like the fire station in Palatine named in his honor back in 1997. His relentless dedication to advancing emergency medicine remains an inspiration for generations to come.
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