Chief Officer Euan Ferguson and CFA staff were given the opportunity to view the Technical Rescue Pods and hydraulic hook vehicle at CFA’s Burwood East Headquarters today.
Operating in a similar way to trucks that deliver skip bins, the hydraulic hooks can pick up and drop off the technical rescue pods where required.
The Pods are containers in which specialist equipment such as tools for confined space and trench rescue can be stored and transported. A hydraulic hook mechanism on the appliance is able to rapidly pick up and release pods as they are needed.
Acting Manager of Structural Planning, Craig Brownlie, was among the team who contributed to the design of the pods.
“The pods are purpose built and allow for ease and manual handling. They will significantly increase operational capacity. The pods are the first of their kind at CFA and have been in the design and development phase for a number of years”. Mr Brownlie said.
“The key benefit of the pods is having a flexible vehicle within the fleet. An increased load capacity of 22 tonnes cab chassis and the 17 tonne lift hook lift helps achieve this.
“Another great feature is the ease of use. Tools for confined space and trench rescue are easily accessible from the pod. Not only does it increase our capabilities but it improves public safety.”
There are still a number of things to be completed before the pods will be settled at their brigades including consultation with VFBV, UFU and end users. A complete training package is also being prepared for personnel that will be using the vehicle and technical rescue equipment.
Images by Keith Pakenham CFA - Communities & Communications
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I can't wait till these vehicles are widely available, and brigades start developing all kinds of different modules. This will be much better than developing trailers, which is all we have been able to afford in the past.
Good.