On June 2, 2017. Pitt County received a 4x4 medically equipped UTV with basic life support (BLS) capability. Included with the UTV is an enclosed trailer for storing and transporting the unit. The UTV and its associated trailer was at no cost to Pitt County. We received it through the Homeland Security Grant Program in partnership with North Carolina Emergency Management and the Domestic Preparedness Region 2 (DPR-2).
The purpose of the unit is to create capacity for responding to limited access medical emergencies, search and rescue incidents, and security (crowd control) during disasters and large scale planned events (when normal response transportation may not be adequate). Due to Homeland Security’s funding of the UTV, it can be requested for use outside of Pitt County, if needed or justified as a regional response asset through NC Emergency Management. Pitt County Emergency Management is responsible for housing the unit and coordinating its use throughout the region. We are in the process of working out the logistics for addressing any additional equipment needs and response protocols.