Emergency Crews Learn Off-road Driving From a Pro

December 31, 2019December 31, 2019 Staff Writers

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Joe Bacal (right) instructs a DMFM crew on off-road driving tactics.

Racing to a fire or medical emergency isn’t exactly like off-road racing, but when Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical needs to reach a remote spot in a hurry, a little training from a guy who has won the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 couldn’t hurt.

That’d be Joe Bacal, of JTGrey Unlimited, an Anthem company. Bacal recently guided DMFM personnel through specialized off-road driver training near Daisy Mountain Fire Station 146 in New River. Over three days, trainees learned about their vehicle’s capabilities and techniques like proactive driving, picking a line of attack on difficult terrain, and the many (safe) ways to use winch.

“There can be a challenge accessing patients in remote areas, and that’s why this training was important,” said Dave Jensen, DMFM training division chief.

And then they get out there. Photos by Greyson Bacal

Staff Writers

North Phoenix News staff writers and editors often work together to produce articles like this one.

Staff Writers

North Phoenix News staff writers and editors often work together to produce articles like this one.

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