Article and photos by Shirin McArthur
The Silver City Fire Department has received the first of two new, custom-built Advanced Life Support Rescue Units, which are replacing two rescue units that were built in 2003. The second new truck will be arriving in Silver City in about 20 days.
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
Storage compartment and entrance to the transport section of the new rescue unit
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Fell lists the additional equipment which can be stored in the new vehicles
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
The medical transport section of the rescue unit
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
Some of the heavy equipment which was too heavy for the older trucks
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
From left are Tim Heidrich, fire chief, Don McNutt of The Phoenix Group, and Jeff Fell, assistant fire chief, posing with the new rescue unit
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
The new truck boasts bright, low-energy LED lights
Silver City Fire Department receives first of two new rescue trucks
The back of the new truck includes a lighted directional arrow to assist with traffic control-?`^
These new "light duty" rescue and transport vehicles are significantly stronger than the older trucks, which could not carry the heavy accident extrication tools and tanks needed for fighting brush fires. According to Jeff Fell, assistant fire chief, this heavy equipment was literally tearing apart the old trucks.
In addition to carrying what is commonly called the Jaws of Life, the new trucks are stocked with paramedic-level advanced life support equipment. This means that, if Gila Regional Medical Center ambulances are in use elsewhere, the Fire Department can provide backup assistance with rescue and transport in Silver City.
Don McNutt of The Phoenix Group, who retired from GRMC as director of emergency medical services two years ago, drove the truck from the manufacturer, Osage Ambulances of Linn, Missouri, and pronounced the ride remarkably smooth for such a large and well-equipped vehicle.
The two trucks cost $156,000 each. The first one has been purchased with $105,000 in legislative funds and $51,000 in State Fire Marshall funds. The second truck will be leased to purchase over a period of five years at an annual cost of $32,000, which will also be covered by State Fire Marshall funds.
State legislators such as Howie Morales and Rudy Martinez were instrumental in advocating for the funds to purchase these rescue units, and Silver City Town Manager Alex Brown worked with the state legislature to place the trucks high on the capital outlay priority list.
These new rescue units have a 15-20 year lifespan, at which point the life of the units can be further extended by refurbishing the "box" and putting it on a new chassis.