Firefighters downsize vehicles for better response to emergencies

Madison firefighters use a Ford Expedition, instead of the fire engine, for low-risk medical calls. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison Fire and Rescue Department has ‘downsized’ vehicles to ‘upsize’ the safety and response time of medical calls.

The department’s 2010 self-assessment review revealed two needs for medical responses. Opposed to an engine’s four-man crew, two paramedics can handle most medical calls. Secondly, using engines is cost-prohibitive for the “ever-increasing call volume,” Capt. Russ Kennington said.

The department decided to use a Ford Expedition already in the fleet, develop a pilot program and implement a “Squad” concept.

The department identifies medical calls for “smaller response” but also addresses “priority” calls requiring the engine and Squad. Calls with the engine have decreased by 92 percent, leading to acquisition of a 2013 Ford Expedition EL at about $35,000, Kennington said. The department’s new logo soon will be placed on the Expeditions.

The Expeditions use less fuel, have “drastically cheaper maintenance costs and are significantly cheaper to replace,” Kennington said. In today’s market, replacement cost for a fire apparatus is approximately $400,000 and annual maintenance exceeds $15,000.

An example of a “Squad-only response” is an individual working outside who faints but can call 911. Squads are staffed with two paramedics, 95 percent of the time. On fire responses, the Squad, engine and normal staffing will respond. Cross-trained personnel can provide intubation, intravenous access, cardiac monitoring and intervention and appropriate medications, along with rescue and fire suppression.

In addition, firefighters have closer access to calls beyond a paved street. With four-wheel drive, the vehicles “can go off-road for emergencies and handle icy, snowy conditions. The vehicles are safer, easier to stop and move through traffic more efficiently,” Kennington said.

Cost savings is obvious “but the intangibles perhaps offer us even more benefit,” Capt. Dustin Spires said. “With 72 percent of (our work) as medical, this has a huge safety impact for our personnel and” motorists.

Madison Fire & Rescue soon can “provide this effective and efficient response to approximately 80 percent of our response territory. The remaining 20 percent will still require an engine response,” Kennington said.