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today9 October 2024
NSW Ambulance is set to enhance its response capabilities in challenging conditions with the rollout of eight innovative Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARA). These cutting-edge vehicles, the first of their kind globally, have been designed to tackle natural disasters and navigate difficult terrains across the state.
The new fleet of HARA Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles, part of a $14.8 million funding initiative by the NSW Government, aims to strengthen the state’s flood rescue capabilities and bolster emergency services in rural and urban regions. One of these vehicles will be stationed in Rutherford, bringing enhanced emergency response to the Newcastle area. The announcement was made by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, who highlighted the significant improvements in the community’s safety and the effectiveness of the state’s emergency response teams.
“These high-tech vehicles mean our world-class clinicians will be even better prepared for scenarios such as floods and bushfires,” said Mr Park. “Once they’re fully operational, they will be an invaluable addition to NSW Ambulance, ensuring communities receive the care they need, even in the most challenging conditions.”
The deployment of a HARA vehicle to Rutherford is expected to significantly enhance the Newcastle region’s emergency response capabilities, particularly in flood-prone and fire-risk areas. The HARA vehicles have been designed to operate in floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep and are equipped with a burn-over crew protection system, replacing flammable components with fire-retardant alternatives. The ambulance section at the rear of each vehicle is fully equipped to handle patient care, featuring a specially designed stretcher loading system for improved comfort and safety.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan stated, “These vehicles are the first of their kind and are essential to our fleet, giving paramedics greater access to patients during natural disasters. The vehicles have been purpose-built to withstand harsh environments, including reinforced exoskeletons to protect against falling trees and other hazards.”
The HARAs will be stationed at key locations across New South Wales, including heavy rescue stations in Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga, and Bomaderry, as well as special operations team bases in Point Clare and Sydney. The rollout is set to occur over the coming months.
Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart, praised the delivery of these vehicles, emphasising their importance for regions with challenging landscapes like Heathcote. “They will ensure communities across Heathcote and right across NSW receive world-class care and will be an invaluable resource during natural disasters,” she said.
With a fully operational ambulance section and advanced safety features, the HARA vehicles represent a major leap forward in ensuring the safety of both paramedics and patients during emergency operations in hazardous conditions.
Written by: Newy Staff
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