Members of the Houston City Council approved an agenda item July 26 for the purchase of one mobile stroke ambulance unit for the Houston Fire Department. This ambulance would be the HFD's second one, specifically designed to serve those suffering from stroke-related situations.

What they're saying

"These allow [emergency medical service personnel] to get in very, very quickly in response to stroke and stabilize someone in need," District C Council Member Abbie Kamin said. "We're having a lot of success with it."

The breakdown

This stroke ambulance will cost HFD a little over $900,000, which will be be paid with fiscal year 2023-24 funds.

• $440,019.80: one generator-powered ambulance module mounted on a 14-foot-long 2023/2024 International MV diesel white chassis with liquid spring suspension, factory air horns, block heater and 50-gallon fuel tank
• $408,375: one CT scanner
• $54,550: one MaxLife Advanced Telemedicine unit for prehospital, voice and video, diagnosis, and care

Zooming out

According to District I Council Member Robert Gallegos, who spoke to Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña ahead of the July 26 meeting, the mobile stroke unit isn't the only ambulance the HFD will be getting.

• Six mobile units are nearing completion, and 21 are awaiting chasis.
• Fifteen more mobile units have been funded for FY 2023-24.