New equipment for road rescue crews

New equipment for road rescue brigades

CFA is the first emergency services organisation in Australia to buy the very latest battery-operated road rescue equipment, and rescue teams at Nar Nar Goon (our busiest team in 2020), Langwarrin, Dromana and Werribee brigades were the first to use it. This new line of equipment made by Holmatro has an increased battery capacity compared with the older versions, can be immersed in water – so can be used in drains and waterways – and has higher speed and power. Each set includes a hydraulic cutter, a spreader and a ram for pushing large objects out of the way. ACFO and Specialist Response Officer Rick Owen was excited to organise the purchase and distribution of this class-leading technology, which was jointly funded by CFA and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). “Last year we rescued 83 people from car accidents and most importantly meant 83 families saw their loved ones again,” Rick said. “I’d also like to acknowledge the funds the TAC provides CFA to sponsor our road rescue teams.” By August 2021, 19 of CFA’s 21 road crash rescue brigades received this new equipment, and all brigades received safety glasses and gloves and portable LED lighting units. “All the new equipment we’ve provided is an important way for us to look after our members who in turn look after their communities,” Rick said. Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade had a special handover event at the beginning of May attended by brigade members, Rick Owen, District 8 Commander Andrew Turner, President of CFA’s Rescue Association Kevin Chisholm and Cardinia Shire Councillor Graeme Moore, who passed on the council’s gratitude for the work the brigade does to keep the community safe. “We’re really pleased to receive this state-of-the-art kit,” Captain Justin Seddon said. “It’s very similar to our existing equipment, but we had to learn about charging and changing the batteries. “We cover a large area, including the Princes Highway, Princes Freeway and the South Gippsland Highway. We also attend a lot of accidents on Koo Wee Rup Road, which seems to be getting worse.” As well as attending accidents, this experienced road rescue team is involved in driver awareness programs and gave road safety talks in schools to Years 10 to 12 before COVID-19 struck last year. “We’re looking forward to educating the community once again and hope it helps to reduce road trauma.”