The recent addition of medical, fire-rescue and incident command equipment has transformed a basic utility truck into a multi-purpose response vehicle for the Armada Township Fire Department. "It is not licensed to the level of paramedic - that would certainly be cost prohibitive," said Armada Township Fire Chief Dan Reynolds.
The Ford F-250 that the Armada Township Fire Department has owned for about two years had a limited capability for use and no provision for storage equipment. After examining operational considerations and the budget, it became apparent the truck could be upgraded into a resource that would offer greater functionality, Reynolds said. The truck is now the chief's command vehicle, which he drives daily.
"A lot of inventory put into the truck was already in our firehouse. Some was taken from other vehicles and some taken off of the shelf," he noted.
Reynolds said firefighters assisted in stocking the truck, and he was open to their suggestions regarding the type of equipment needed. A cap was put on the truck in early June, making it easier to secure items such as advanced first aid equipment, splints, backboards, bandages, airway equipment and cervical collars.
"Once we had a cap we put things inside to make it a more effective management tool," Reynolds said.
The truck now carries medical, fire-rescue and incident command equipment including a cardiac defibrillator, firefighting tools and an incident command board, which helps track personnel and resources as well as develop action plans, the chief said. It organizes information during fires and large-scale incidents.