FY2017 Arlington Fire Department Annual Report FY 2017 | Page 32

New Light Vehicle RESCUE Units Activated The demand for emergency services in Arlington continues to grow. In an effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness, the Arlington Fire Department is building on the success of our light vehicle response (SQUAD) program in order to improve emergency response unit availability and response times. The light response vehicles extend the life of our heavy fleet (fire trucks) and lowers overall maintenance costs. When personnel staffing is available, up to five additional two person light vehicle response (RESCUE) units will be deployed among the City’s five sectors. When all units are in service the City will recognize a 21% improvement in “response unit capacity” which will improve overall emergency response times. These new RESCUE units carry medical, rescue, and other specialized equipment associated with the SPECIAL OPERATIONS station the unit is assigned to. RESCUES 1 & 9 are assigned to the Gas Well Response teams. RESCUE 6 is assigned to the Hazmat team. RESCUE 8 is assigned to the Technical Rescue team. RESCUE 7 is assigned to the Dive/Swift Water Rescue team. 31