Page 21
Light Response Vehicle—“ Squad 2”
In early 2011, Fire Chief Crowson directed the establishment of a project team consisting of members from the Fire Rescue Division, Medical Operations Section, 9-1-1 / Dispatch, and Administrative personnel to explore emergency response options to extend the life of the Department‘ s ― heavy fleet.‖ The team evaluated the feasibility of placing a small, lightweight vehicle into service to respond to emergency calls for service. This research effort incorporated call volume, specific call types, and potential response area. The project included an expense comparison between an SUV / fire apparatus purchase price, maintenance, and fuel costs. The result of that initial cost evaluation was the implementation of a Light Response Vehicle( LRV) Pilot Program at Fire Station # 2 on the city‘ s east side.
The Light Response Vehicle Pilot Program validated the anticipated benefits of the concept:
Sufficient demand exists for a Light Response Vehicle to respond to EMS calls that do not require the response of a heavy fleet vehicle.
A Light Response Vehicle reduces mileage that would have been driven by heavy apparatus, thereby extending the warranty life of high-value apparatus.
A Light Response Vehicle‘ s greater fuel efficiency reduces fuel costs.
A Light Response Vehicle increases the number of emergency response vehicles available, which provides additional heavy fleet capacity and impacts response times.
21
Working Together to Make Arlington Better.