Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has introduced a new heavy duty machine to its fleet of emergency vehicles.
KFRS’ technical rescue unit has added a telehandler to its range of equipment, which has the ability to lift 3800kg. The new addition will provide extra resources at a variety of incidents, such as clearing the scene at road crashes, transporting heavy machinery, lifting debris from collapsed or fire-damaged buildings, and rescues from height.
Alan Downes, Technical Rescue Manager at KFRS, said, “The three key uses of the telehandler are access, removal and prevention. Its adaptable features will further enhance the operational capabilities we can offer at an incident, which ultimately helps us to provide the best service we can.
“As an organisation, we’re always looking to evolve and adapt to the needs of the people we serve and variety of incidents we respond to, and the addition of this machine will help us to do that at a wide range of incidents. As well as providing additional support for our crews, the telehandler will also be of benefit when assisting and working together with partner agencies.”
The telehandler can operate on multiple terrains and therefore will be a valuable asset during large animal rescues, water rescues and grass fire incidents, where it can create fire breaks to stop flames from spreading.
Other key features of the telehandler include an observation cage, which can be used as an additional turntable ladder, a power fork and grab, agricultural bucket for swift clearing and a hydraulic winch. The machine can also assist at line and water rescues, by being used as an anchor or launch point.
