A new Albuquerque Fire Rescue program is making it easier for crews to get to emergencies faster. They have a new partnership that helps them hand off non-emergency calls and free firefighters up for things that can turn deadly.
One of the most common calls AFR sees are “32 Bravos.” They’re down-and-out calls, where someone sees someone lying on the street or in a public place, appearing as if they need help, sometimes passed out or unconscious. Firefighters say these calls often tie up resources.
“Often times, those people don’t need EMS assistance or they don’t have a medical component tied to it,” said Lt. Tom Ruiz with Albuquerque Fire Rescue.
Now, they’ve partnered with the city’s security officers to go out to these initial calls. This saves AFR’s firetrucks and services for more serious events like a structure fire or medical emergency.