Fire fighters often play a vital role in saving individuals’ lives and so it is vital that they have all the equipment they need in order to do their jobs properly.
With this in mind, two new fire engines being used in Milton Keynes have been fitted with a range of first aid supplies. One is based at Bletchley Fire Station and the other at Broughton Fire Station.
As well as having nine-litre Scania P280 Rescue Pumps and the latest in fire fighting equipment, they are fitted with items such as oxygen therapy kits and stabilisation provisions to be used at road traffic collisions.
When emergency responders are dealing with accident victims, having access to equipment such as oxygen masks, transfer boards and so on can help make the different between life and death.
Meanwhile, the new trucks cost more than a quarter of a million pounds each and are expected to be part of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s emergency fleet for the next 12 years. In total, the fire authority operates 42 front-line vehicles.
Mick Osborne, head of service delivery in Milton Keynes, remarked: “The decision was taken several years ago to move towards a standardised fleet of state-of-the-art appliances carrying top-quality equipment.
“When matched with the highly-trained and dedicated staff who crew them, it adds up to a first-rate service delivered to our local communities. This significant investment is a measure of Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority’s commitment to the safety of our fire fighters and the people we serve.”
As well as the first aid equipment present on the vehicles, there are compressed air foam systems and 100-metre hose reels, among other things.
Over the years, many lives have been saved as a result of the actions of fire fighters and thanks to the superb tools and emergency medical supplies they have access to.