New rescue vehicles for firefighters
Firefighters will be better equipped to respond to major rescue incidents with the investment of four new technical rescue vehicles.
The new trucks will give firefighters access to:
- large hydraulic tools to conduct rescues at heavy vehicle accidents
- specialised air trolley, rope rescue equipment and a stretcher for rescues in confined spaces
- vehicle-mounted winch for complex vehicle rescues
- portable LED lighting for rescue scenes
- specialised equipment for rescuing large animals
- quick-shades, with sides and gutters, to provide shelter and protection from the elements for patients and the medical team.
Two trucks will go into operation at Blacktown and Liverpool fire stations in February 2018 after crews complete training. Another two vehicles will be delivered to Newcastle and Wollongong later in 2018.
Minister for Emergency Services Troy Grant said the new trucks are being placed in strategic locations in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle to complement existing resources and enhance the response to major rescue incidents, fires and other emergencies.
“The highly specialised vehicles will increase the capacity of our firefighters to deal with some of the most difficult and dangerous rescue operations,” Mr Grant said.