Heavy duty rescue vehicle arrives at Grissom Published Feb. 22, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. Doug Hays 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Grissom's fire department's response capabilities got an upgrade recently with the arrival of a heavy duty rescue vehicle. The vehicle replaces a medium duty vehicle and made a big impact with those who use it. "This broadens our capabilities as rescues are concerned," said Wabash resident Howard Lawson, the captain of the vehicle known as Rescue 5. "We're able to respond just as rapidly as before, but we are able to carry more equipment on the truck with us," he said. "We perform just about every technical rescue with the equipment we carry on the truck with the exception of water rescues." The massive truck also handles better than the medium duty truck. "Way better," Mr. Lawson chimed in. "This is basically a fire engine without the water tanks and the pumps," said William Barton, fire chief. "All that area is now storage room for our equipment," Mr. Lawson added. In addition to carrying equipment for auto extraction, hazardous materials responses, high angle rescues and confined space items, the truck also medical supplies that rival basic life support ambulances - without the capability to transport. David Perryman of Greentown, Ind., is one of the drivers of Rescue 5. He said the big Detroit Diesel engine provides plenty of power to get them where they need to go, and through computer system is smart enough to shut unneeded items down to power critical functions of the vehicle when required. One of those systems is lighting. "We can turn 3 a.m. into noon," Mr. Perryman said. The truck has a mast that rises into the air and can tilt and turn to provide the angle of lighting needed. "Having light at night makes a big difference," said Mr. Lawson. Rescue 5 has a crew of four, but can be operated with three people. The driver, captain, and two rescue men are all certified emergency medical technicians. The crew was recently credited for saving a life during a response in the local area. The crew responded to a local nursing home where a nurse was having respiratory distress. Grissom first responders were able to establish an airway and stabilize the person until an ambulance from the local area arrived. Rescue 5 wasn't originally destined for Grissom. It was scheduled to be sent to Gen. Billy Mitchell ARS, Wisc., but since that unit took a hit during the base realignment and closure, Air Force Reserve Command asked Grissom if they wanted the vehicle. "They called me on vacation and asked if I wanted it," Chief Barton explained. "I couldn't say yes fast enough." The basic vehicle itself costs approximately $500,000 -- add to that the equipment on the vehicle and you're looking about $800-900,000 total. Barton, who lives in Kokomo, said "this vehicle is a great asset to Grissom - and to the local communities. We've worked hard and have an outstanding working relationship with the local fire departments. Having equipment like this to bring when needed enhances that relationship." The Grissom Air Reserve Base Fire Department responded to 138 calls for assistance during the fourth quarter of 2006 as part of a mutual aid agreement with the local communities. Those responses included 117 medical responses, 15 vehicle incident, four fire or alarm activations and two hazardous materials incidents.
