20 Jun 2014

Dual purpose fire truck tested

12:28 pm on 20 June 2014

A prototype fire and medical emergency response vehicle will be trailed by the Fire Service, working together with St John.

The vehicle which took three years to design and build the vehicle, can seat two people up the front, has fire and pump equipment in the middle and a clinical space in the back.

The vehicle is designed to be used in rural communities where firefighters also provide medical assistance.

The Fire Service's Chief Executive, Paul Baxter, said the vehicle is not an ambulance but will allow firefighters to get patients into hospitals in better condition.

The prototype will be trailed by three rural, volunteer brigades over the next 12 months.

The prototype vehicle will be tested by three brigades.

The prototype vehicle will be tested by three brigades. Photo: FIRE SERVICE