Imagine needing to be rescued only to be told the fire truck couldn’t get there because of a maintenance issue.  Totally unacceptable!  When someone calls 9-1-1, they expect to see their specific needs met- quickly!  First responders are in the hot seat during any emergency.  However, if emergency vehicles are not properly maintained, it affects the people they serve.

For the fire department- as well as any other emergency care provider- it is crucial their fleet be kept in prime condition.  People’s lives are on the line.   Vehicles must be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

First Responder Vehicle Maintenance

As an emergency vehicle base, steps must be taken to ensure vehicles are ready.  At every firehouse, all the trucks must be maintained on a regular schedule. This maintenance must be documented and available for state inspections. Maintenance records are needed for any first responder division.

The Maintenance Manual –

Every emergency base should have at least two copies of the maintenance manuals, whether hard copies or on a flash drive.  This is so everyone knows the parts, electrical system, and various apparatuses used on each vehicle.

Qualifications –

Service technicians, garage workers, etc. must know how to best maintain and repair the emergency vehicles. These people must be trusted to do the work and have the proper certifications.

Monthly Maintenance –

No amount of maintenance is perfect and guaranteed to keep there from being a problem when the siren sounds. The schedule for checking the parts of the emergency vehicle fleet may vary from location to location. Still, maintenance for pumpers, towers, lights, ladders, first aid equipment upgrades, cameras, screens, stretchers, door switches, cables, and electrical systems is a must!

Quarterly Maintenance –

While not every job needs to be done weekly or monthly, these jobs are still necessary. These quarterly jobs include checking siren speakers, seat belts and latches, swivels, door handles, locks, hinges, topping off fluids, and weather stripping.

Semi-annual –

These tasks may vary based on how often a vehicle is taken out, but they are no less critical- tire pressure, electrical panel, release latches, electrical panel connections, and cooling system lines.

Of course, many other jobs need to be done on an as-needed approach—for instance, changing the oil. With vehicles like those used by first responders, the engines must run smoothly, without issues due to sludge build-up. At Buy Great Oil, one can purchase quality synthetic oil, lubes, and other items to keep an emergency fleet performing at its peak. And, because you can buy in bulk, you will always have the item(s) you need to keep everything under the hood working.

There’s no denying the value of a properly maintained emergency vehicle. Be it a firetruck, ambulance, or police car; there is no replacement for ensuring the safety of all those involved. From the top of the ladder to the bolts and nuts, keeping everything running so lives can be saved is a must.