"These trucks are larger, affording more storage space for equipment and providing comfort for the paramedics and more importantly the patients," said Battalion Chief Brian Nolte. "It's a smoother ride and there are also backup cameras so they can see in the rear and not back into anything."
The trucks went into service July Fourth weekend and will aid in responding to the department's 18,000 emergency calls a year, Nolte said. The updated models are the town's first new trucks in four years.
The trucks have six inches more headroom and an air suspension system that lowers and raises the vehicle to the needs of the firefighter/paramedic.
"This allows the driver to look further ahead of traffic for improved safety while responding to calls," Nolte said.
The trucks cost about $126,000 each, without fire equipment, and were purchased from Wheel Coach in Orlando. They are housed at the fire stations on Orange Drive, Nob Hill Road and Flamingo Road.
The trucks are equipped with new headphones and a system that allows firefighters to communicate with each other from the front of the truck to the back, where the patient is being treated.
"By hearing, they can know if a paramedic just started an IV so they do not slam on the brakes or take turns and there is no hollering back and forth," Nolte said. "They can know about everything that is going on in the back and it assists with safety."
