In a move aimed at bolstering the efficiency of its emergency response services, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue has announced the establishment of the new Peak Rescue Division. This division will consist of roving paramedics and ambulances, strategically enhancing response times by deploying units that are not tethered to fire stations but instead roam throughout the county.
The infusion of resources will bring 48 first responders to the division, which includes 20 rescue lieutenants, and 26 paramedics, with a section chief, and a training officer to lead the team. Scheduled to commence operations in the spring of 2026, the division's creation was greenlit by the Board of County Commissioners last Wednesday, with additional approval given for the procurement of five new rescue units specifically for this initiative.
Roving units are set to be active during the peak window for emergency calls, operating 12 hours daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., covering all days including holidays. The flexibility of these units, unbound by station assignments, is expected to reduce call response times significantly. According to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, "Because the Peak Rescue units won't be assigned to a fire station, they will be more nimble and flexible to respond to calls wherever they may be needed."
The implementation of the Peak Rescue Division follows the positive results of a pilot program launched in May 2024, which showcased how roaming three-person units could significantly decrease response times. The data not only backed the expansion, with units reaching emergencies up to two minutes faster than traditional, station-bound crews, but also indicated a reduction in the dependency on third-party ambulance services. Despite the projected increase in medical transport demands, the revenue generated from these services is expected to offset the operational costs of the additional units.
