The emergency response team in one Phoenix suburb is testing whether sending a smaller vehicle instead of a firetruck to handle some medical calls is more efficient.
Gilbert Fire and Rescue says it's starting a pilot program to send a two-person rescue vehicle with a paramedic and emergency-medical technician instead of a four-person firetruck to handle less-critical medical calls.
The yearlong pilot program beginning Monday is an effort to maintain response standards in the growing city.
Gilbert fire officials say all calls are important and get high-quality service — but not all require a four-person crew.
The city of Chandler began using similar so-called "low-acuity response units" in 2015.
