Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Launches Peak Rescue Division for Faster Emergency Response

New Peak Rescue Division

• 🚒 Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has launched a new permanent division called the Peak Rescue Division.
• 🎯 This division aims to reduce emergency response times, with potential improvements of up to 42 seconds.
• 📍 Unlike traditional units, these first responders will not be assigned to a specific fire station but will be strategically positioned in busy areas.

Operational Strategy

• 🗺️ Roving paramedics and ambulances will be deployed in areas like central Brandon, the north Brandon/Sephner area, and near the University Mall.
• 🚑 The 10 units in this division will primarily respond to critical medical calls such as chest pains and difficulty breathing.
• ⚡ By handling these high-frequency calls, the Peak Rescue Division will free up crews at area fire stations to respond to other types of emergencies.

Pilot Program Success and Future Outlook

• ✅ The new division is based on a successful pilot program that demonstrated its effectiveness.
• ♟️ Fire officials describe the deployment strategy as a "chess game" to place units where they are most needed.
• 💰 County commissioners approved the division, anticipating an increase in revenue due to more ambulances in service and a projected rise in medical transports.
• 📈 The initiative is considered the most cost-effective way to improve emergency care delivery in Hillsborough County.
• 📝 The fire department is currently hiring for positions within the new Peak Rescue Division, with application links available on their website.