New Memphis Fire emergency response vehicles arrive quickly, economically

A new type of vehicle that city fire officials say will speed response time and save on fuel costs made its debut Tuesday.

The Alternative Response Vehicles, or ARVs, were shown off at Fire Station No. 22 on Lamar. In addition to that station, the eight vehicles will be in use at Stations 10, 16, 17, 23 and 34, and eventually at Stations 7 and 14.

"The ARV carry more medical equipment than our fire trucks," Lt. William Brewer said. "The access to the equipment is a lot quicker as well."

A standard fire engine usually responds to medical calls, taking more than three minutes to reach the destination because of weight. The new vehicles, by contrast, will provide faster service and response.

Also, the new additions will help lessen the chances of trucks being unavailable for fire calls because they're on a medical call. Fire Services Director Alvin Benson said that up to 80 percent of calls made daily are for a medical emergency; the other 20 percent are fire and rescue.

Station 22 responds to an average of 302 medical calls per day, and 215 of those are usually sent to the hospital, said Deputy Fire Chief Gary Ludwig.

"With the heat of summer, the average usually rises to about 330 calls a day," he said. "The heat exacerbates medical conditions."

Fuel efficiency is also a big factor. The red Ford ARVs get 15-20 miles per gallon as opposed to the three miles a gallon from the ladder trucks and fire engines that are normally used.

Also, Benson added: "This way, we are saving the wear and tear of fire trucks."

The operating cost of a standard fire engine or ladder truck is $500,000, while for the ARV it is $70,000.

The use of the vehicles is up to the company officer on duty at the time, and the trucks are equipped with forced entry tools to enter houses and all medical equipment needed for a call.

Each ARV will have four paramedics.

"Financially, the cost of operation will decrease," Ludwig said. "Medically, nothing is changing; we will still deliver high-quality care."