The Portland (OR) Fire Bureau is reportedly having success with its implementation of rapid response vehicles equipped specifically for medical emergencies.
The Oregonian reports (http://bit.ly/1hM5bfl) that the fire department of Oregon’s most populous city has found its response times improved at all four fire stations that have the new rapid response vehicles.
The specially-equipped SUVs get better mileage and their maintenance and repair costs are much lower than for full-sized fire apparatus, saving the department thousands of dollars.
The program, which involves two-person crews to run the vehicles, has also freed up fire crews to focus on critical fire incidents and rescues.
Read more about this program at http://bit.ly/1hM5bfl.
For more fire-related stories out of Portland, consider Firefighting News: 5-Alarm Portland (OR) Fire Prompts Evacuations, Firefighter Injured in Portland (OR) House Fire, and FEMA Grant Saves Portland (OR) Firefighter Jobs.
For mroe on fire service-based EMS, consider Fire News: Twin Cities Fire Departments Face Change, Firefighting News: Vancouver Fire Department’s SUV a Success in Early Reports, and Fire -Based EMS : Feeling Budget Crunch, MA Firefighters Make EMS Changes.
