Enhanced Fleet to Provide Quicker and More Effective Emergency Response
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has bolstered its fleet with the addition of new water rescue vehicles designed to enhance response times and effectiveness in water-related emergencies. Two of these advanced 4×4 vehicles are already in operation across Kent and Medway, with three more set to be deployed shortly.
These vehicles are strategically stationed at fire stations with crews specially trained in flood, water, and mud rescues. They come equipped with a variety of improved features tailored to handle such emergencies more efficiently. One significant upgrade is their ability to transport inflatable motorised boats onboard, eliminating the need for towing. This capability allows the units to depart quickly and travel at blue light speeds, significantly reducing response times.
The inflatable boats can be used with or without a motor and are designed for easy transport and inflation, enabling rescue crews to enter the water as close as possible to those in need. This flexibility is crucial for swift and effective rescues.
Grant Brooker, Water Rescue and Flooding Lead for KFRS, emphasized the importance of these new vehicles. “We’re a forward-thinking fire and rescue service, so we’re always looking at ways we can improve our response and effectiveness. This not only ensures we’re delivering the highest level of assistance to people across the county, but it means we’re providing the best equipment and facilities for our crews. These vehicles have everything you need to deal with a rescue from an unstable surface, such as water or mud, and respond to flood or water rescue.”
Brooker also highlighted the urgency of enhancing water rescue capabilities, citing recent statistics that place Kent as the joint third county in the UK for the highest number of accidental drownings. “With many waterways and coastlines in the area, it’s vital we’re equipped and ready to respond to rescues swiftly,” he stated.
In a bid to reduce the number of accidental drownings in the county, KFRS has launched the “Make the Right Call” campaign. This initiative aims to educate the public on the appropriate emergency service to contact in different situations. For inland water rescues, individuals should call 999 and ask for the fire service, whereas those by the sea should request the Coastguard.
For more information and to stay updated on KFRS initiatives, visit the Kent Fire and Rescue Service website.
