Emergency response strengthened in rural NSW

These specialist vehicles are designed to respond to serious motor vehicle accidents, featuring off-road capability and are well equipped with hydraulic rescue tools, vehicle stabilisation, patient handling equipment and automatic external defibrillators.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the $640,000 investment will deliver four new rescue vehicles to the NSW Rural Fire Service’s Louth, Euston, Pooncarie and Menindee Brigades.

“This is just another example of how the NSW Government is delivering for all communities across our State through our record funding of the emergency services,” Mr Elliott said.

“The community should take comfort in the fact that our highly skilled volunteers can now provide an even greater level of protection and service to them with these world-class rescue vehicles.

The Louth, Euston and Pooncarie Brigades all completed the required training late last year and hold pre-accreditation from the State Rescue Board. A further 20 members from the Menindee Brigade undertook Road Crash Rescue Training just this week, delivered by specialists NSW RFS instructors.

The NSW RFS already operates one General Land Rescue and two Road Crash Rescue units in NSW, and with the addition of these four new units continues to enhance its capability in providing rescue services to rural and remote communities across the state.

NSW RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the NSW RFS, working together with state and local governments, is committed to providing volunteer firefighters with the vehicles and equipment they need to carry out their roles safely and effectively.

“These men and women remain on-hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we should be extremely proud and grateful for their contribution,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“I would like to thank members of the Louth, Euston, Pooncarie and Menindee Brigades for their continued commitment to protecting their community, and importantly, their family, friends and colleagues who allow them to do what they do.”