South Staffordshire First Responders (SSFR) have been given a helping hand by Truckman, which has supplied its DECKED storage solution to ensure its volunteers can quickly access potentially life-saving equipment from its pick-up truck.
The bestselling pull-out drawer storage system has been fitted to the Community First Responders’ (CFRs’) recently donated Mercedes X-class pick-up truck, which is deployed to calls across the South Staffordshire area.
The need for CFRs to access equipment when arriving at an emergency is essential. SSFR’s pick-up truck, which was provided by DPD and The National Lottery Community Fund and already features a Truckman Grand hardtop, offers extensive secure storage capabilities, but with the addition of DECKED the CFRs are able to access medical equipment and supplies quickly and efficiently.
Dudley-based Truckman, which has provided the storage solution to SSFR through its ‘Blue Light Discount Scheme’, is the UK’s only stockist of DECKED. Originally developed in the US, DECKED fits seamlessly into the truck bed and offers easy access to equipment from two secure, full-length roll-out drawers while still allowing full use of the truck bed.
Each drawer, which can carry equipment up to 90kg, opens at waist height for quick and comfortable access. Further storage capacity is provided by two integrated storage bins, which are accessed through the deck to hold smaller items.
DECKED also creates a raised deck with a galvanised steel sub-frame within the truck bed, which has a one-tonne load rating and can also work alongside Truckman’s range of hardtops to provide additional protection and security.
Matt Jevons, Founding Trustee of SSFR, said, “The charity is 100% reliant on donations and grants to keep our vehicles on the road, this includes purchasing and maintaining both of our response vehicles and buying uniform. The very generous support from Truckman has enabled us to fully utilise our new responder vehicle, and the donation and support received from them allows us to direct current reserves to aid our life-saving capabilities.
“The DECKED system will be really helpful and sometimes vital in terms of how quicky we can act when we arrive at an incident. The pick-up truck’s extensive storage is great, but means we had to climb into the back to retrieve equipment. With DECKED, we can simply pull out the drawers and get our hands on what we need immediately.”
Mike Wheeler, Executive Chairman of Truckman, said, “The service provided by CFRs and the dedication of the volunteers is truly admirable. Their rapid response and actions can be the difference between life and death. We are very proud to support their work with the provision of DECKED, which enhances the storage capabilities of their pick-up and will give their response times the marginal gains that can be so important in emergency situations.”
