Urban Rescue Vehicle Ready For Use
18 June 2009
A new specially designed Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Vehicle has been officially handed over to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
The bespoke vehicle has been built for the service at a cost over £170,000 by John Dennis Coachbuilders in Guildford. The vehicle is the only one of its kind in the U.K. and designed to respond to complex emergency situations.
The keys were handed over to USAR Operations Commander Pete Stevenson by Assistant County Fire Officer (Operations) Tony Ciaramella.
24 Specially trained Fire Service personnel will be available to crew the appliance which can be deployed both regionally and nationally as part of the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue (UK-ISR) capability.
The UK-ISR team were recently accredited by the United Nations as one of only 11 teams throughout the world in heavy rescue. Operations Commander Pete Stevenson said” This is the ultimate accolade for the United Kingdom’s response capability” The Team has some of the most experienced members in the country. Many have provided an overseas response for a number of years and have been involved in major disaster operations as far away as Pakistan, Turkey, Algeria, India and Mozambique.
Specialist equipment carried on the vehicle includes rescue struts, oxy-propane cutting equipment, line rescue kits and an underground camera unit. This complements a wide range of cutting and rescue supplied as part of the New Dimensions programme.
In keeping with the appliance replacement program the USAR vehicle exceeds the European standards set with the engine rated to Euro 5 environment standards (not due until 2010) demonstrating the service striving to offer the best appliances it can procure and afford.
County Fire Officer, Barry Dixon says, “It is vital for the protection of both the public and fire fighters alike that the Service invests in high quality training, equipment and specialist rescue appliances”.
Councillor Paul Shannon Chairman of the Fire Authority said “in the last 18 months, the Fire Authority has spent £3.8 million buying 24 new fire engines and specialist vehicles for use across the county, making our fleet one of the most modern in the UK. This vehicle further demonstrates our commitment to both public and firefighter safety.
Editors notes
Members of the Urban Search and Rescue Team will be attending the event along with Senior Officers and members of the Fire Authority.
Event and Photograph opportunities to take place at 1130 hrs 18th June 2009
Ashton under Lyne Fire Station
Slate Lane
Ashton under Lyne
M34 5FS