Although the vehicle has already been put to the test in the Flowerdale fires, which saw more than 1000 hectares burnt, the keys for a specialised rehab vehicle were officially handed to Seymour Fire Brigade last week.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes passed the keys to CFA District 12 captain Kathy Quinlan on Friday, March 31.
Since becoming operational in December, the specialised vehicle has already been used nine times this year to support firefighters and agency partners during emergency response.
The $129,000 vehicle carries specialised equipment that provides rehabilitation and health monitoring for firefighters at staging areas and on the fire ground.
With many District 12 CFA volunteers also being current or former health professionals, the vehicle allows them to provide basic health monitoring with equipment to examine vital indicators like temperature, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels and to monitor hydration and carbon monoxide levels.
Ms Quinlan said the Seymour brigade covered a large response area of Murrindindi and Mitchell shires, supporting the 38 brigades within CFA’s District 12.
“It means we can leave the station so much quicker. Prior to this we used a trailer, whereas now we can set up in under 10 minutes, ready for our firefighters to come and visit us,” she said.
“Everything is in the one spot, all we have to do is open the doors and go. We can all drive it, it’s a car licence, so that makes it easier. All of the brigade think it is marvellous.
“Our members take the new truck out and about whenever we can to familiarise themselves with the features and benefits of the vehicle.”
As one of only 16 specialised CFA rehabilitation vehicles in the state, the addition of this unit is welcomed by all brigades in CFA’s North East Region.