NCJ Number
193058
Journal
National Fire & Rescue Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2002 Pages: 27-30
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the types of emergency response vehicles available to meet incident management needs.
Abstract
The role of an emergency response vehicle is to serve as the focal point for an incident and give the Incident Commander the tools to make informed strategic decisions and the controlled environment from which to smoothly coordinate one-scene operations. Many agencies are acquiring vehicles that perform a number of roles in addition to command. Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have replaced the chief’s sedan as some of the most commonly found command vehicles nationwide. Their roominess, four-wheel drive, rugged construction, ease of maintenance, and relatively low cost has made them a popular choice for many districts in recent years. A fire district should determine the most basic vehicle that will fit its needs and then go a step further to ensure added flexibility for the future. Vehicles can be built custom and specific to a district’s needs. Fire districts with a coverage area of urban and rural areas, hilly driveways and subdivisions, and dirt roads are opting for SUVs. SUVs are equipped with mobile radios, command vests, and trauma kits, among other things. A larger line of command vehicles available is of the modular variety--rescue or ambulance-type bodies mounted on commercial chassis. They include sit-down or stand-up command desks with either desktop or laptop computers that access databases, as well as printers, fax machines, phones, and radios. When making a command vehicle purchase, it is suggested that an inventory list be made of equipment needs as well as a list of anticipated roles for the apparatus. Some municipalities upgrade, remodel and repaint command units. Upgrades include installing sliding doors, adding an observation platform on the roof, and telescoping scene lights. When faced with funding for a new command vehicle, an option is to apply for grant dollars to support a purchase or rehab project. Another option is to obtain a vehicle through one of the State’s agencies that participate in the Federal Excess Property Program and convert it.