A new rehabilitation vehicle has already been put to use by Country Fire Authority, CFA, District 12 Headquarters Brigade at the Flowerdale fires in February.
The $129,00 appliance is a purpose-built vehicle that enables health monitoring facilities for firefighters working in difficult conditions, and is an addition to all brigades in CFA’s north-east region.
Captain Kathy Quinlan said the brigade covered a large response area including the areas of Mitchell and Murrinidndi shires, supporting a total of 38 brigades in CFA District 12.
“The brigade and community alike will greatly benefit from this new asset,” she said.
“The vehicle boosts our capacity to safely respond to a wider range of emergency incidents. Our members take the new truck out and about whenever we can to familiarise themselves with the features and benefits of the vehicle.”
Since becoming operational in December, the vehicle has supported CFA nine times this year during emergency response.
District 12 Headquarters Brigade first lieutenant Darrel Warren said he was grateful for the benefits of the specialised equipment.
“The new appliance not only provides rehabilitation and health monitoring for firefighters at staging areas, but it is also well equipped for use on the fireground,” he said.
“We have a good team of current and former health professionals, who can provide basic health monitoring including examining vital indicators such as temperature, blood pressure checks and blood oxygen levels, as well as monitoring hydration and carbon monoxide levels.”
The State Government provided funding under the 2020-21 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment program, with the brigade contributing $3500.
Minister for Emergency Jaclyn Symes, who visited the brigade last month to officially hand over the new vehicle and thank volunteers, said the program delivered crucial resources that would serve and protect communities.
“Victorian firefighters work tirelessly to protect lives and properties across the state – this new rehabilitation appliance will provide crucial support for firefighter health and wellbeing when responding to incidents,” she said.
