A new-to-the-Island Response Support Vehicle (RSV) is now on the run with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, bringing additional and enhanced capabilities for local fire crews.
The 2014 plate Volvo appliance has been transferred to Newport Fire Station from Redbridge in Southampton and is a direct, improved replacement for the 16-year-old Mercedes Atego Rescue Tender, which was formerly based at Newport.
The specialist appliance carries a wide range of equipment not found on standard pumping appliances and has onboard much more than the previous Rescue Tender, thanks to the improved stowage design. It means that as well as heavy lifting gear, the RSV also now carries the service’s water rescue equipment which was previously on the animal rescue unit.
Portable battery lighting, equipment for gaining entry and even timber for shoring up damaged structures is now also carried, alongside other items such as a gazebo for shelter, a generator and high-level access platforms.
A striking difference between the new and old rescue appliances is the loss of a hi-ab at the rear – although it’s been said for years that it wasn’t really suitable and was hardly ever used.
The Response Support Vehicle is crewed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by 2 firefighters meaning it can be tipped out to incidents immediately and will closely follow the first responding appliance. Its role falls in line with Hampshire fire stations, meaning more effective mobilisation by fire control.
It’s said that the RSV will be mobilised to all road traffic collisions involving 2 or more vehicles, as well as incidents involving heavy rescue, hazardous substances and water rescue – or simply any incident where specialist equipment may be required.
Following several weeks of familiarisation, the RSV is now responding to emergencies across the Isle of Wight and has already been out several times in the past couple of weeks including to a cliff rescue, an incident involving gas and road traffic collisions.
Other RSVs across the service are based at Basingstoke, Cosham and Redbridge fire stations.
What crime had it committed?
I like the idea of carrying a gazebo , we never had such a luxury when I was a Firefighter .
Very underrated and not adequately appreciated the Fire && Rescue Services; all-round ‘supermen’; up for almost any situation and challenge. Brave and courageous guys.
As a rookie firefighter the best we had was Hacksaws, crowbars , xehicle jacks hammer and chisel and we still managed to rescue people .