NSW Ambulance will roll out eight specially designed vehicles known as Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARA), the first of their kind in the world, optimising response capabilities during natural disasters and in difficult terrain.
Minister for Health Ryan Park said the community will benefit from the specialist capabilities of the HARA Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles, as part of a major $14.8 million funding package by the NSW Government to further build the state's flood rescue capabilities.
The HARAs are designed to drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres and are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments. The vehicles have also been made to operate around fire grounds, with the inclusion of a burn-over crew protection system, replacement of flammable components, and by wrapping critical vehicle infrastructure in fire-retardant material.
The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort.
The HARAs are equipped with the latest technology and purpose-built features, improving the organisation's capability to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.
The vehicles have been purpose modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments with enhanced safety features including a reinforced exoskeleton to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.
HARAs will be rolled out over the coming months, with the vehicles proposed to be strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"I'm so pleased our Ambulance service will be the first in the world to get these vehicles.
"These high-tech vehicles, will mean our world class clinicians will be even better prepared for any scenario they face - which could include floods or bushfires.
"Once they're rolled out these vehicles will be an invaluable addition to NSW Ambulance."
Quotes attributable to Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:
"I am proud to join the Minister for Health, Ryan Park MP in Heathcote today and see these innovative vehicles ahead of the rollout. They are long overdue and I'm so appreciative that a Minns Labor government has delivered on these essential vehicles.
"They will ensure communities across Heathcote with our challenging landscape and right across NSW receive world-class care and will be an invaluable resource during natural disasters."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"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.
"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."
