Norfolk Southern is helping Atlanta responders reach people faster

As Atlanta welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors for World Cup matches this summer, ensuring first responders can reach people quickly in one of the nation's busiest cities has never been more important. Whether it's an emergency in a crowd near the stadium or an everyday call in a neighborhood across the city, every second matters.

That's why Norfolk Southern (NS) is proud to support the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation in its mission to find innovative ways to help first responders reach patients faster.

With funding assistance from NS, the Foundation recently purchased two new Rivian R1T Quick Response Units for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. The vehicles expand a first-of-its-kind program launched in 2024 when Norfolk Southern helped fund Atlanta Fire Rescue's first two Rivian emergency response vehicles.

Since then, the program has shown how smaller, highly mobile vehicles can help firefighter-paramedics navigate traffic, access hard-to-reach locations, and deliver critical care faster.

"At Norfolk Southern, we believe strong partnerships help build strong communities. We're proud to support the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation as they continue investing in innovative tools that help first responders serve Atlanta residents and visitors more effectively." — Kristin Wong, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact

Designed to Save Time

While fire trucks remain essential for many emergencies, most calls Atlanta Fire Rescue responds to are medical emergencies.

The Rivian Quick Response Units provide an alternative to large, costly fire engines. Staffed by firefighter-paramedics and equipped with lifesaving medical equipment, the vehicles can move through congested areas more easily than traditional apparatus, helping responders get to patients sooner when time is critical.

For emergencies such as cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, and elderly patients, even small reductions in response times can make a meaningful difference.

Built for Atlanta

The two new vehicles incorporate lessons learned from the department's first generation of Rivian units, including increased storage capacity and enhancements designed specifically for emergency response operations.

"I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Norfolk Southern for their continued partnership and support. This significant corporate investment demonstrates a commitment that enables the dedicated men and women of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department to enhance service delivery through modernized resources. The addition of these two unique Rivian quick response vehicles will strengthen the department’s ability to provide best-in-class emergency medical services to the Atlanta community, ensuring swift responses in times of emergency and benefiting those who rely on their services the most.” -- Taos Wynn, President and CEO of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation

As Atlanta hosts major events, including major sporting events, the additional units will provide first responders with greater flexibility to serve residents and visitors alike. After events leave the city, these new vehicles will support everyday emergency response across Atlanta's neighborhoods, parks, and businesses.

Thank you to the Atlanta Fire Rescue for their partnership and commitment to keeping our communities safe.