The new HARA ambulances have extra safety features to protect the occupants. Picture: NSW Ambulance
NSW Ambulance has unveiled eight new off-road ambulances that can operate during natural disasters and in difficult terrain.
The NSW Government says their Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARA) are the first of their kind in the world.
Health Minister Ryan Park says the HARA Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles are part of a $14.8 million funding deal to upgrade flood rescue capabilities.
The HARAs can drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres deep and operate around fire grounds due to its burn-over crew protection system, replaced flammable components and wrapping of critical vehicle systems in fire-retardant material.
The rear of the vehicle features a specially designed stretcher loading system and it has been modified with other safety features such as a reinforced exoskeleton to protect occupants from falling trees.
“I’m so pleased our ambulance service will be the first in the world to get these vehicles,” Mr Park says.
“These high-tech vehicles will mean our world class clinicians will be even better prepared for any scenario they face – which could include floods or bushfires.
“Once they’re rolled out these vehicles will be an invaluable addition to NSW Ambulance,” the minister says.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed the vehicles.
“The HARA 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,” he says.
“The 4WD vehicles will be operated by our highly trained special operations paramedics and have been specifically modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments.”
The vehicles are likely to be based at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations at Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, and with special operation teams in Point Clare and Sydney.
The vehicles were unveiled at Heathcote and local MP Maryanne Stuart says they are “long overdue”.
“They will ensure communities across Heathcote with our challenging landscape and right across NSW receive world-class care and will be an invaluable resource during natural disasters,” she says.
The new ambulances that will operate at disaster scenes likes floods and bushfires. Picture: NSW Ambulance
