A pair of new Heavy Rescue Vehicles worth almost $1 million each have entered operations in Western Sydney.
Touted as the most advanced type of rescue truck used by firefighting agencies anywhere in the world, the Scania P320 4x2s have been fitted out with large hydraulic tools, specialised air trolley and rope rescue equipment, a vehicle-mounted winch, inflatable flood rescue boats and search cameras.
The trucks and highly-trained crew will be based at Hurstville and Regentville Fire Stations.
“These state-of-the-art trucks and crew will be regularly called to some of the most high-pressure and dangerous rescue operations firefighters ever face, including building collapses, heavy vehicle crashes and large animal rescues,” said Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke.
“These trucks are unlike any others in the Fire and Rescue NSW fleet and add a unique level of capability for our first responders,” she said.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the role of a modern firefighter is no longer just about fighting fires.
“Firefighters are trained, prepared and equipped to respond to all types of rescue incidents,” he said.
“These trucks will provide firefighters with the best possible resources to continue to assist the community,” continued Baxter.
According to Transport for NSW, the $905,000 trucks have been stationed at Hurstville and Regentville to complement existing resources across Sydney and enhance emergency service responses to major rescue incidents, fires and other emergencies.
The Heavy Rescue Vehicles have been delivered as part of a $17 million NSW Liberal National Government investment in upgrading the Fire and Rescue NSW fleet.