Memphis Fire Dept

[BJP777]

Out here in Tucson,Az they have the Alpha Truck program. It's a Ford F-150 with a camper on the rear, and their dispatched on low priority BLS calls. They are staffed with 2 EMT/FF's and are not crossed manned with any other trucks. These Alpha Trucks have taken a lot of pressure off of the engines and ladders who were getting tied up with folks who abuse the 911 system or the senior citizen who just wanted their BP taken. I think they even pass out pamplets to the 911 abusers on the correct numbers to call for rides to the DR.s office or clinic, etc..A lot of folks here in Arizona dont have any type of medical insurance so they just call 911 for all their needs. There is or were four Alpha units in service, but with the budget gets im not certain about that now. Some may only be part time now. They work a regular 24hr shift, and they also get dispatched on all full alarm calls as well. They keep their turnouts and airpacks in the rear of the trucks, and on a full alarm they would assist a engine or ladder crew. It's been very successfull so far, but it may get cut do to budget shortages.