DUNEDIN, Fla. — Dunedin Fire Rescue just got a new set of wheels which, they say, will help them respond to calls more efficiently.
Firefighters say they’re the only department in the Tampa Bay region with a miniature ambulance.
Alex Miller is a firefighter with Dunedin Fire Rescue. He said it's going to be perfect for responding to crowded events where they would have to maneuver through narrow spaces.
“We're the second biggest city for events and special rescues in the Pinellas County area just behind St. Pete,” Miller said.
This special rescue vehicle costs about $70,000. It was paid for with ARPA funding the city received following the pandemic.
The biggest perk about having this new ride is having an enclosed box for treating patients.
“It allows us to be able to bring the patients inside in a closed environment and get some air on them get them away from all the crowds,” Miller said.
The department says this mini ambulance is a major upgrade from what they were previously using.
“Our previous version we were not able to put a stretcher on. It was wide open and provided no patient privacy and it was not climate controlled,” Deputy Fire Chief Michael Handoga said.
Handoga said this new truck gives the patient space along with his team to pack extra resources.
“We also carry ballistic gear for the events like the tragedies that happened after the Kansas City parade,” Handoga said.
His team said this will help them respond more efficiently keeping their community safe.
Dunedin Fire Rescue said this will also be a huge resource for severe weather season when responding to calls.