Mayor rides along with Squad 1 for first-hand understanding of challenges first-responders face
The purpose of the ride-along was to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced on the ground by first responders, and to see how the city is providing outreach services for those suffering from substance use disorder, mental health crises and homelessness.
MANCHESTER, NH – In his continuing efforts to understand how the city operates from inside out, Mayor Jay Ruais on Wednesday embarked on a ride-along with members of “Squad 1,” Manchester Fire Department’s specialized unit, as they responded to calls throughout the city.
The purpose of the ride-along was to gain a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced on the ground by first responders, and to see how the city is providing outreach services for those suffering from substance use disorder, mental health crises and homelessness.
Of the experience, Ruais said:
“I am pleased to see the recent data regarding a reduction in opioid related overdoses. As we all know, every life lost to addiction is a tragedy, and there is still much work to be done to address two of the underlying drivers of homelessness, substance use disorder and mental health.
I commend the efforts of Squad 1, and Chief Ryan Cashin in their critical role in community risk reduction and intervention services for substance misuse. This ride-along experience provided valuable insights into the efforts being made to address some of the greatest challenges in our community, and I look forward to continuing to work with our City Departments and community partners to strengthen our response and save lives.”
Background on Squad 1:
On May 1, 2020, the Manchester Fire Department took on a new role in the community, utilizing “Squad 1” to provide centralized Outreach Services for those suffering from Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health crises, and homelessness. Operating between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. six days a week, the Squad handles outreach, low acuity medical emergencies, interventional services for substance use and general community risk reduction.
In 2023 the Squad responded to a total of 2,065 incidents. 955 of these were outreach related and 264 were opioid-related calls for service. This averages out to roughly 13 calls for service during the 12-hour shift, making it the busiest unit in the Manchester Fire Department, if not the busiest fire-based unit in the State. The unit is currently funded through the City of Manchester and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
