The Troup County Fire Department is launching a Quick Response Vehicle (QRV) program to improve medical services to the community while simultaneously decreasing costs, according to a county press release.

Due to the increased call volume for medical responses in Troup County, the program was initiated as an effort to improve response times and available medical resources, decrease the volume of fire suppression resources responding to Emergency Medical Services calls and reduce overall costs, as the majority of emergency medical response calls do not require the services of a full-size fire engine or justify the costly response. 

The Troup County Fire Department recently purchased two Quick Response Vehicles that are fully outfitted with medical equipment. The two Ford F-150 pickup trucks allow for increased maneuverability and faster response times, along with four-wheel drive capabilities that support access to limited areas for first responders. In addition to cost savings from lowered fire engine responses, the vehicles also offer reduced overall maintenance cost and increased fuel efficiency. The program is being funded through SPLOST V funds and with special thanks to Troup County American Medical Response for donating over $5,000 worth of equipment and supplies to aid in the success of the program. 

“We’re excited about the launch of this program, because it adds additional necessary emergency response methods that will largely benefit the community by providing a potentially quicker and more efficient response to medical emergencies,” said TCFD Fire Chief Dennis Knight.

When staffing is available, the vehicles will be stationed in areas with high call volume and will be serviced with firefighters who are also certified as Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians in order to provide additional medical resources and initial patient care until Emergency Medical Services arrives.