The Knoxville Fire Department has acquired a special operations ambulance to add to its fleet. KFD Ambulance 1 will enhance our ability to respond to special operations such as the recent incident involving explosive materials in the Lonsdale community. 

The new ambulance is not intended for standard emergency medical services (EMS) calls. However, it will help KFD meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements to have a dedicated ambulance on the scene capable of handling specialized incidents, including hazardous materials (HazMat) response, technical rescue team (TRT) operations, and special medical incidents that require advanced equipment and trained personnel. This strategic move will keep more system ambulances available to respond to the everyday medical needs of our residents, ensuring faster response times and better overall coverage for the community.

Additionally, this ambulance will provide crucial support to the Knoxville Police Department's Special Operations Squad during joint operations. 

"This new ambulance will greatly improve our ability to respond to high-risk situations that require specialized knowledge and equipment," said Stan Sharp, Fire Chief. "By dedicating this resource to special operations, we can ensure that our community is even better protected during complex emergencies."

Mark Wilbanks, Assistant Chief of the Knoxville Fire Department, said, “Another added benefit is that the deployment of this specialized ambulance will free up a 911-system ambulance to respond to other 911 calls”.

KFD Ambulance 1 has been in the making since 2022 when it was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).  These funds are intended to support the ongoing public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, address its economic impacts, and improve the delivery of government services, including public health infrastructure.

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