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25 October 2024
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NSW Ambulance introduces hazardous area rescue ambulances (HARAs) , Australia
Bushfire protection is perhaps the most key feature for these vehicles. They’ve been fitted with an exoskeleton cage to protect against falling trees and other debris. Beyond that, the vehicles have been fitted with flame-retardant material in critical areas and had easily-flammable components replaced with hardier variants. There’s also a “burn-over” crew protection system to help keep the occupants safe in the event the vehicle is overtaken by a raging flame front. There’s also the mesh on the windows and hood to further protect against harm.
The hazardous area rescue ambulance (HARA) is also capable of wading through flood water up to 1,2 metres deep, useful given the nature of contemporary Australian disasters. This is an upgrade option on the Unimog and something you should never attempt in a regular vehicle.
Meanwhile, on the inside, the vehicle is kitted out as a fully-functional ambulance. In particular, it has a special stretcher loading system to aid paramedics and keep patients safe. This is important due to the higher load height, itself a result of the high ground clearance necessary for off-road duties.
The vehicles will be stationed at important “heavy rescue stations” to best serve the people of New South Wales. Deployments will see HARA vehicles at Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, while they’ll also do duty with special operations teams at Point Claire and Sydney.
“The HARA vehicles are the first of their kind and an essential addition to our fleet, giving clinicians greater access to patients during natural disasters, such as in fire grounds and floods,” said Dr Dominic Morgan, chief executive of NSW Ambulance. “The 4WD vehicles will be operated by our highly trained special operations paramedics and have been specifically modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments.”
If you’re out in the bush and stranded because your dodgy ute has broken down, and there’s a fire bearing down, you’d be mighty pleased to see one of these mighty HARA ambulances honing in on your position. Here’s to the Unimog taking on another tough job, and to the paramedics and drivers who will put these vehicles to excellent use.
Image credits: NSW Ambulance, SouthSide Emergency Responses via YouTube screenshot
Source:
The hazardous area rescue ambulance (HARA) is also capable of wading through flood water up to 1,2 metres deep, useful given the nature of contemporary Australian disasters. This is an upgrade option on the Unimog and something you should never attempt in a regular vehicle.
Meanwhile, on the inside, the vehicle is kitted out as a fully-functional ambulance. In particular, it has a special stretcher loading system to aid paramedics and keep patients safe. This is important due to the higher load height, itself a result of the high ground clearance necessary for off-road duties.
The vehicles will be stationed at important “heavy rescue stations” to best serve the people of New South Wales. Deployments will see HARA vehicles at Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, while they’ll also do duty with special operations teams at Point Claire and Sydney.
“The HARA vehicles are the first of their kind and an essential addition to our fleet, giving clinicians greater access to patients during natural disasters, such as in fire grounds and floods,” said Dr Dominic Morgan, chief executive of NSW Ambulance. “The 4WD vehicles will be operated by our highly trained special operations paramedics and have been specifically modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments.”
If you’re out in the bush and stranded because your dodgy ute has broken down, and there’s a fire bearing down, you’d be mighty pleased to see one of these mighty HARA ambulances honing in on your position. Here’s to the Unimog taking on another tough job, and to the paramedics and drivers who will put these vehicles to excellent use.
Image credits: NSW Ambulance, SouthSide Emergency Responses via YouTube screenshot
Source:
