High-tech specialist ambulance coming to Point Clare

NSW Ambulance will roll out eight specially designed vehicles known as Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARA) and one is coming to the special operations team located at Point Clare.

These HARAs are the first of their kind in the world, optimising response capabilities during natural disasters and in difficult terrain.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the community would benefit from the specialist capabilities of the HARA Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles, as part of a major $14.8M funding package by the NSW Government to further build the state’s flood rescue capabilities.

The HARAs are designed to drive through flood waters up to 1.2m and are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments.

The vehicles have also been made to operate around fire grounds, with the inclusion of a burn-over crew protection system, replacement of flammable components, and by wrapping critical vehicle infrastructure in fire-retardant material.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort.

The HARAs are equipped with the latest technology and purpose-built features, improving the organisation’s capability to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

They have been purpose modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments with enhanced safety features including a reinforced exoskeleton to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

HARAs will be rolled out over the coming months, with the vehicles proposed to be strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said the HARAs were an essential addition to ambulance fleet giving clinicians greater access to patients during natural disasters, such as in fire grounds and floods.

“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,” he said.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said NSW Ambulance service would be the first in the world to get these vehicles.

“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,” Park said.