Medical Response

[scannerizer]

On K1/A1, I've been hearing these "Medical Response," units a lot lately. Most notably MR 154. Are there some upcoming changs?

 

[rpgaun]

MR units are ALS vehicles (4 door pickups) for areas where there is high medical call volume. MR154 is a PHX unit with PHX markings and personnel being run out of Glendale station 154. My understanding is that it was put in service to ease the amount of times E154 had to respond to the city for medical calls. Someone else may have better info but that’s my take on it.

 

[KB7MIB]

There's a pair of links in this post.

Phoenix FD MR154 now co-quartered with Glendale E154

Due to how busy Glendale FD E154 has been with medical calls into Phoenix, and with a lack of funds to build a new Phoenix FD station, a unique pilot program where a 4-person ALS medical response unit from Phoenix is being housed at the Glendale station, has started...

forums.radioreference.com

If you Google "Phoenix Fire MR154", you'll also find a Fox10 article about it, as well as other mentions.

There are at least a couple of MR units around the Valley. Phoenix FD MR918 runs out of FS3 during the day, and FS18 at night. Surprise FD just put MR305 into service, I do believe.

John
Peoria

 

[KB7MIB]

Correction, Surprise has Low Acuity 305 (LA305), not an MR unit. And I don't think it's really that new, I believe it went into service sometime last year. My mistake.

John
Peoria

 

[rpgaun]

Hey John, I could be wrong but I believe that got put into service when the did away with E305

 

[KB7MIB]

IIRC, many Surprise residents in the first due area were none too pleased that the city was choosing to only quarter an LA unit there, and not (also) an ALS engine company. I'm not sure if that was a city council decision, or an FD decision.

As an aside, there was another Medical Response incident earlier this afternoon at 67th and Olive Aves. It appears that a Medical Response is a response level, but I'm not sure where it falls alongside 962, 962 extrication, 2-and-1 medical, etc.

John
Peoria

 

[GlobalNorth]

Medical response calls are usually injury traffic incidents with multiple patients: two 15 passenger vans collide, a Greyhound bus crash, etc. Of course, other calls for EMS could fit the criteria.

 

[KB7MIB]

Is it in place of or in addition to a 2&1/3&1 medical, 1st alarm medical, or?

John
Peoria

 

[Ravenfalls]

No. As per above. MR is usually SUV with most likely no engine or ladder. Ladder get expensive run medical calls. Alot agencies use Ladder for medical. This may be a better idea & cost effective?

Same as in old show Live Rescue Show, when SUV medic units were on scene.

 

[KB7MIB]

A "Medical Response" is also a call type in the public CAD page that Phoenix FD has. It's not just a 4-person ALS SUV or crewcab pickup with a shell.

Phoenix Fire Department Incidents

I'm wondering where it falls in severity compared to a regular 962, a 962E, a 2&1/3&1 medical, a 1st alarm medical, etc.

John
Peoria

 

[Ravenfalls]

Anything a medic would go on. Heart attack, falls, stubbed toe etc