Taree Rescue Squad, the local branch of the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, has purchased much needed and up to date life saving equipment this year, thanks to community donations.
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Their biggest purchase has been two tools that comprise the Jaws of Life - a spreader, which spreads a car open, and a cutter, which cuts pillars from cars, both of which are battery operated.
“It just makes life so much easier. There’s no generator - our gear we’ve got on the truck will still be used as secondary. You have to pull a generator out, turn it on, it’s very noisy, especially when you’re cutting a car,” said VRA member Josh Goulden.
“You need less noise so the patient doesn’t panic and you need to always be talking. So with the battery operated (Jaws of Life), it’s completely quiet. Obviously there is a noise when the car is getting cut, but it’s a lot quieter.”
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The equipment is also a lot easier to handle and move around.
“You can put it into the old car whereas with the old gear you’d have to worry about hoses. It’s a lot better technology,” Josh said.
The squad was also able to purchase better stabilisation, which stabilisers a car in 20 seconds and makes the car sturdier.
Obviously such equipment doesn’t come cheap.
“The latest one was about $10,500 - that was just for one (the cutter). Our spreaders were about $9000, and the stabilisation kits, they’re about $5000 each,” Josh said.
All of this equipment is only able to be purchased because of donations from the local community, and the squad’s annual Weekend on Wheels fundraiser.
We want to show the community that their donations do go toward something, we’re not just spending it on little things. We are using them to better the community, trying to help them out.
- VRA member Josh Goulden
“We want to show the community that their donations do go toward something, we’re not just spending it on little things. We are using them to better the community, trying to help them out. Without their support, we don’t run. If there is an unfortunate accident, we need the best gear to make sure there is a good outcome,” Josh explained.
The Taree squad also has a message for people for the upcoming holiday period.
“With a lot of people travelling with families over Christmas and New Year, just take a bit of care. If you’re tired, obviously have a break. No drinking and driving. Take extra care on the roads, especially with this on and off wet weather, the roads become very slippery.”
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