Changes are underway within the Tulsa Fire Department. Smaller medical trucks have replaced two engine trucks. The new trucks cost half as much as engine trucks. Wednesday they hit the streets for the first time.
Captain Tony Rains has been through many changes in the fire department. He says, "We are excited to see the change within the department... reorganization." Engines cost about twice as much as the new F-550's. Their introduction into the fleet will provide faster medical care at a lower price for the city. Capt. Rains says, "We'd be a super crew... 6 people on scene compared to 3 or 4."
While the engines are no longer responding at all stations, Quint trucks will go along with the new trucks for more serious cases.. cardiac arrest, car accidents, and assault calls. Quint trucks are also smaller than the engines but can perform tasks like fighting high rise fires with the help of long ladders. Capt. Rains adds, "We're losing water capability but we've got the Quint that is going to run on all the fires."
Most calls are medical. 2News was there on the first three runs in the new truck. One call involved an elderly woman living in a hot apartment. She refused treatment but her neighbor welcomed news of new fire medical trucks. Michael Turner says, "They are quicker and normally faster. They have the equipment they need."
The goal is to cut the fuel bill. How much is yet to be determined. Capt. Michael Baker says, "We are going to track the mileage but we anticipate fuel savings immediately." It is a change that has to be done to save money. Fire officials also hope it will save lives. If there are any problems officials say they are prepared to make changes.
