Medcat-LAPD’s One-of-a-Kind Rescue Vehicle

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department unveiled one of its newest pieces of equipment at a News Conference Friday morning.

On February 5, 2009, just after 11:00 a.m., Police Chief William J. Bratton along with members of the LAPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, (SWAT), Department Command Staff and members from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) showcased the Department’s latest acquisition, the Medcat Rescue Vehicle.  It is the first tactical “medi-vac” vehicle in the United States.

The Medcat is a unique and versatile vehicle that was custom designed in a collaborative effort between members of the LAPD SWAT Unit-Emergency Medical Technician Cadre, the LAFD, LAPD Reserve Officer Dr. Albert Phillips and a company that manufactures armored vehicles for the United States Military and Domestic Law Enforcement agencies.  

What makes this vehicle so unique is that while it looks like any other armored vehicle, the inside is configured to resemble a rescue ambulance, complete with a full array of medical supplies and radios that allow paramedics to communicate directly with trauma centers and hospitals.

The Medcat will be used for potentially dangerous and critical rescues that will allow medical first responders to quickly and safely get into an active crime scene or crisis location to administer life saving medical support to seriously injured citizens and police personnel.  It will also save precious time that was previously needed to transport a victim out of a crisis area in an armored vehicle and transferring them into a rescue ambulance before they could be transported to a hospital.

For additional information, please call Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.