World first “Hazardous Area Rescue” ambulances in Rutherford

Rutherford will soon be home to a world-first Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulance (HARA), expanding the service’s response capabilities in the region. Eight vehicles, specially designed to operate during natural disasters and in difficult terrain, are being rolled out in the coming months, with others based at Tamworth, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

It’s believed flood risk data was used to identify the sites. “Having this state-of-the-art vehicle stationed in Rutherford is a major asset to our community, and surrounding areas, especially in times of heavy rainfall,” Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said, “Our paramedics are the best in the world. So, these vehicles will just enhance their already incredible set of skills.” The HARAs can drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres and are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments. They’ve 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 HARA is a fully functioning ambulance, with a unique stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort. “The 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,” NSW Ambulance chief executive Dr Dominic Morgan said, “The 4WD HARAs will be operated by our highly trained special operations paramedics and have been specifically modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments.”

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Story by Olivia Goeldner