Emergency services in northern New South Wales (NSW) are utilising advanced technologies to improve flood response efforts in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s impact.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has significantly enhanced its flood rescue capabilities with Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances.
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These custom-built vehicles, measuring 3.6 metres high and nearly 7 metres long, are equipped with built-in hydraulic stretchers specifically designed for natural disaster zones.
With the ability to safely operate in floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, the ambulances have already been put to use in some of the most challenging conditions seen during this emergency.
Marcus Hunziker, station officer with the NSW Ambulance Special Operations Unit, stated that the vehicles have been a game-changer.
“The new vehicle has been used extensively throughout this deployment… to access patients isolated by deep floodwater,” Hunziker said.
He explained that, with the help of these vehicles, rescue teams are able to reach individuals who would otherwise be cut off.
Over the course of just five days, NSW Ambulance responded to around 150 flood-related jobs, including at least 20 involving the new high-tech ambulances.
In addition to the new ambulances, specialist firefighters are employing drones to assess flood damage, monitor waterways, and track the stability of river levees.
These drones, equipped with thermal-imaging technology, are also being used to deliver essential supplies to people in isolated or dangerous situations.
Shawn Addison, an aviation officer with Fire and Rescue NSW, highlighted the potential life-saving applications of the drones.
“If someone is caught in floodwaters sitting on top of their car, we could potentially fly over to them and drop a life jacket or other supplies.”
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