General Information

Bensley FRV 514 has been in service for us since 2003. It was purchased new from DEALER, and cost us COST to put on the street. It was manufactured by MANUFACTURER and delivered to us on DATE OF DELIVERY. It is an ALS equipped Ford Explorer XLT.

The squad purchased this transport unit through the generous contribution of Shoosmith Brothers, without whom the squad could not operate.

Name and Number

514 is called a "First Response Vehicle," capable of delivered an advanced life support provider and ALS equipment to a scene quickly and safely. The FRV is also capable off-road, which allows us to deliver care faster to areas our transport units cannot reach easily. This unit is only put in service to provide advanced life support care, so we know whn an "FRV" is dispatched that advanced life support is on the way! In this fashion, we know instantly the level of care the current apparatus crew can provide, which helps speed our dispatch process.

Dispatch is provided through Chesterfield County.

Equipment Carried

Some of the vital equipment carried on our units are:

• Advanced communications system, including APCO-25 radios, Motorola-powered Toughbook mobile data terminal (MDT), and advanced ambulance-to-hospital radio
• Zoll E Series 12 lead EKG with NIBP and waveform capnography
• Full complement of ALS equipment, including ODEMSA drug box, IV and advanced airway equipment
• Full complement of BLS equipment, including inflatable splints, KED's, backboards with advanced head blocks, trauma equipment and basic airway equipment
• Safety equipment, including hand tools, safety vests and flares
• Maps - lots and lots of maps!

Each of these items is expensive! Amazingly, the total cost of an ambulance is often twice the purchase cost of the vehicle. Equipping an ALS transport unit is a tall order, and maintaining all that equipment in working order is a challenge. These are just some of the things our volunteers do "behind the scenes."

(Note: Click on the images to the left for a larger photo.)