General Information

Bensley Unit 523 has been in service for us since 1992. 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 Type 3 Ford E Series ambulance. This unit had a new chassis installed in 2001.

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

Name and Number

As with all BBVRS transport units, 523 can provide service as both a basic life support (BLS) ambulance and an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance. When personnel capable of providing ALS care are on the unit, it is called Medic 523; otherwise it is called Ambulance 523. In this way, 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.)