Fort Lauderdale Welcomes New Ambulance to Enhance Community Health and Safety

Fort Lauderdale officials and first responders gathered for a special ceremony at Fire Station 2 to welcome a new ambulance to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR) fleet. The event featured a classic fire service push-in ceremony, symbolizing the vehicle’s readiness to serve the community’s needs.

The new ambulance, a collaborative effort between Broward Health and FLFR, is set to expand emergency medical services and public health outreach throughout Fort Lauderdale. Funded through state appropriations with support from former State Senator Lauren Book and State Representative Daryl Campbell, this addition aims to enhance the city’s ability to provide care and resources directly to residents.

Mayor Dean Trantalis emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This new ambulance represents what we can accomplish when we work together to meet the needs of our community.” The vehicle will support FLFR’s presence at special events and augment programs like Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) and Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE), which address critical issues such as opioid use disorder and homelessness.

Broward Health President and CEO Shane Strum highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment, saying, “This ambulance gives us another opportunity to work together to meet people where they are and connect them with the care and resources they need.”

The vehicle will operate at the Basic Life Support (BLS) level and play a crucial role in overdose prevention efforts, including the distribution of Naloxone, known as Narcan. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bring lifesaving care to those in need, complementing FLFR’s Whole Blood Program, which allows paramedics to administer blood to critically injured patients before hospital arrival.

Fire Chief Stephen Gollan expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced capabilities provided by the new ambulance, noting its role in extending the department’s reach during emergencies and community outreach.

This new addition to the FLFR fleet marks another step forward in the partnership between Broward Health and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, reflecting a shared mission to deliver exceptional care and resources directly to the community.

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