Richmond, as well tried this alternate EMS vehicle concept. It was a flop and the company that was running it was a very busy company in fire and EMS calls. Each time the company got punched out on an EMS call the EMS Vehicle went, leaving the Engine Co. out of service.
A Suburban was used here and used a lot of brakes pads and more wear and tear than on a regular piece of fire apparatus.
It didn't take long to see that this company was handcuffed, if a fire came in their territory while on an EMS call or returning to quarters. They had nothing but a couple of extinguishers on board, as does all similar type vehicles in the department. All they had were their PPE - turnout gear, no scba, ladders, hose or water!
Bottom line the department canned this after close to a year of operation. They in turn, put complete EMS gear on all Engine and Truck Companies. It is still like this now and works better than having the small EMS type vehicle running calls and not being available for fire calls.
Memphis sure runs a boat load more than we do and trying this concept is a foolhardy venture.
Put an ambulance, Unit, in each fire house and outfit all companies with complete EMS gear.
A Suburban was used here and used a lot of brakes pads and more wear and tear than on a regular piece of fire apparatus.
It didn't take long to see that this company was handcuffed, if a fire came in their territory while on an EMS call or returning to quarters. They had nothing but a couple of extinguishers on board, as does all similar type vehicles in the department. All they had were their PPE - turnout gear, no scba, ladders, hose or water!
Bottom line the department canned this after close to a year of operation. They in turn, put complete EMS gear on all Engine and Truck Companies. It is still like this now and works better than having the small EMS type vehicle running calls and not being available for fire calls.
Memphis sure runs a boat load more than we do and trying this concept is a foolhardy venture.
Put an ambulance, Unit, in each fire house and outfit all companies with complete EMS gear.
John Hinant
Retired Member of Richmond VA Fire Bureau
October 25, 1858 - October 25, 2020 = 162 years old
The sixth oldest paid, documented, Fire Department in the United States
First established in 1782
"In God We Trust - All Others We Take For Granted"
Retired Member of Richmond VA Fire Bureau
October 25, 1858 - October 25, 2020 = 162 years old
The sixth oldest paid, documented, Fire Department in the United States
First established in 1782
"In God We Trust - All Others We Take For Granted"
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