West Valley Fire introduces low-acuity squad and onboard blood transfusion pilot

West Valley's fire leadership presented two new operational programs at the budget retreat: a low-acuity squad to reduce wear on heavy apparatus and an on-board blood transfusion program for emergency response.

Chief Evans said the squad (a pickup staffed by two advanced EMTs) launched Jan. 1 in an east-side pilot area and reduced heavy-apparatus responses in that area by about 35% in two months. Staff said the model allows heavy apparatus to be conserved for higher-acuity calls and that, with additional recruits, a second unit could be placed at a central city location.

On the blood program, Chief Evans said the department completed five successful transfusions in the first month and is partnering with Intermountain Healthcare; the department plans a community blood drive at Station 74 to support the program's supply. Chief Evans described both programs as innovations made possible by recent hiring and a SAFER grant that funded recruitment.

Council members asked logistical questions (first drive location, station address) and expressed support. No council action was required at the retreat.