Jacksonville Unveils Life-Saving Stroke Ambulance as Mayor Picks Fire Chief

Jacksonville, FL, USA - In an exciting development for Jacksonville’s emergency services, the city has recently taken major strides towards enhancing stroke care response. UF Health Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) introduced the region’s first ambulance dedicated exclusively to stroke care, marking a significant advancement in medical response capabilities. This specialized ambulance comes equipped with a mobile CT scanner and clot-busting medications, enabling paramedics to initiate diagnosis and treatment even before patients reach the hospital. Such timely intervention is crucial, particularly during the „golden hour“ following a stroke, where rapid response can greatly influence patient outcomes. This innovative mobile stroke unit model was inspired by a successful program in Gainesville, showcasing Jacksonville’s commitment to adopting best practices to improve lives JEMS reports.

Transitioning from this exciting healthcare advancement, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is also undergoing a leadership change. Mayor Donna Deegan, who aims to smooth out the ongoing evolution of the department, will soon select a new fire chief from five promising finalists, all of whom are current members of JFRD. The retirement of Fire Chief Keith Powers on June 30 creates a perfect opportunity for leadership reinvigoration Jacksonville.com reveals.

Leadership in Transition

The candidates vying for this critical position boast impressive backgrounds within the department. They are:

• Damian Bell, deputy division chief of fire prevention
• Jake Blanton, chief of the rescue division
• Percy Golden II, deputy division chief in the emergency preparedness division
• Darin Hooten, suppression battalion chief
• Willie King, deputy director of the department

As the city grapples with changing growth patterns and increasing service calls, a swift response is paramount. The new chief will head a team of approximately 1,900 personnel stationed across 68 fire stations, overseeing the rapid deployment of resources where they’re needed most.

As a backdrop to this leadership shake-up, it is essential to recognize the critical role played by JFRD’s Rescue Division. Operating 24/7 over a vast 840-square-mile area, the division delivered vital emergency medical services, responding to nearly 147,000 calls in the past year alone My JFRD highlights. Given that EMS calls represent over 85% of JFRD’s daily workload, a competent leader who can navigate challenges is absolutely crucial.

Innovation Meets Tradition

The introduction of dedicated resources for stroke care complements JFRD’s existing capabilities. Jacksonville has long been at the forefront of modern rescue services, having pioneered its own emergency ambulance service in the late 1960s. The division’s significant advancements include training crews in advanced medical procedures and deploying modern rescue vehicles, ensuring the best possible care in emergencies My JFRD elaborates.

As the city approaches the end of June, all eyes will be on Mayor Deegan as she makes a pivotal choice regarding the next fire chief. This decision, expected to be announced by June 30, will then move to the City Council for confirmation—a crucial step in solidifying leadership as Jacksonville continues to work towards providing exemplary emergency services to its residents.