SFFD pilots Sprinter ambulances and quick‑response vehicles as department weighs operations changes

San Francisco Fire Department officials on Jan. 10 briefed the Fire Commission on operational pilots including two new Sprinter (Type 2) ambulances and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs), and outlined response‑time goals and data the department is compiling to guide future deployment.

EMS Chief Andy Zanoff said the two Sprinter ambulances are single‑body Type 2 vehicles with improved chassis durability, more comfortable front cab seating and safety restraints for crews. "This is the first model change of a vehicle that City EMS has used in almost 50 years," Zanoff said, adding the vehicles are in road tests and crews will evaluate changes before wider procurement.

Deputy Chief Mark Gonzales described a pilot night for QRVs, small vehicles staffed with paramedic and EMT personnel deployed in high‑demand downtown areas. He said QRVs were first on scene for multiple calls and saved ambulance resources for higher‑acuity responses. Gonzales cited performance figures: the 90th percentile for the first unit on scene is 5.18 minutes (target 4.5 minutes) and the 90th percentile for first ALS unit is roughly 6.32 minutes (target under 7 minutes). The 90th percentile for first ALS ambulance is typically under 10 minutes for most months.

Commissioners asked for data supporting wider QRV deployment and for breakdowns of engine calls (medical vs. fire). Gonzales said the department will collect and present datasets showing call types, repeat callers and the operational impact of QRVs and the EMS6 program. He said QRVs can be implemented quickly using existing vehicles and staff, but expanding a BLS tier would require state approval and system changes.

What to watch: the department will gather and present operational data on QRV and EMS6 performance and will report back to the Commission on pilot outcomes and recommended staffing or equipment changes.