Five state-of-the-art emergency response trucks, valued at a million dollars, are to be delivered soon to emergency units across the State by the South Australian State Emergency Service (SASES).
Each vehicle will be fully equipped with the latest emergency response tools and technology including an Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) and digital tablet.
Chief Officer of the SASES, Chris Beattie, said the new vehicles were part of a scheduled upgrade to ensure communities across the State were capably supported by their local volunteer Units.
‘‘Fully equipped vehicles are not just vital for providing an appropriate response to communities but also contributing to the ongoing safety and well-being of our volunteer responders in emergency and disaster situations,’’ Mr Beattie said.
“The vehicles are expensive, long-term assets which we manage appropriately. A specific licence is required to drive the emergency response vehicles, which is taken on by our volunteers as part of their ongoing training.’’
He said the vehicles could also tow response trailers and were often required to transport supplies, equipment and essential materials from one from Unit location to another.
Minister for Emergency Services, Joe Szakacs welcomed the new trucks saying they would provide a safer environment for volunteers to carry out their tasks.
“This significant investment has been made with a safe future of our emergency services in mind,” Mr Szakacs said.
“Not only do the new vehicles possess modern technology and features, they are also fitted with AVL, which were recently delivered as part of a $12 million State Government commitment.
“AVL and the new trucks will allow these Units to map, plan and execute how to best respond to road crash rescues and natural disasters like floods and severe weather,” the Minister said
SASES said the vehicles were to provide an upgraded General Rescue capability to the Tea Tree Gully and Sturt Units while Roxy Downs, Maitland and Loxton will receive a combined General Rescue/Road Crash Rescue capability upgrade.
