Tullahoma, TN - The Tullahoma Fire Department recently placed into service two Ford F-250 crew cab 4-wheel drive trucks to be utilized as First Response medical vehicles.

Tullahoma Fire along with many other departments has experienced an increase in medical calls within their districts. Tullahoma EMTs and First Responders respond to approximately 1200 medical calls annually. This call load was having a tremendous effect on the frontline Pumper wear and tear and maintenance budget, along with increased fuel cost.

The total cost of these units fully equipped equaled about $40,000 each, verses $500,000 for a new Pumper. The fire department also installed 40-gallon water tanks with pumps, an assortment of fire extinguishers, a folding ladder, and chainsaw to equip this vehicle for multiple response needs. These units are also utilized as brush trucks capable of driving across rough terrain.

The size and all-wheel drive capability has been well received among the firefighters and community alike, as during a medical call the smaller truck being more maneuverable and smaller causes less of a spectacle during a medical emergency at a residence.

The vehicles were bought on state contract and are expected to provide 15 years plus of emergency response capabilities.