Search and Rescue Team to get specialized vehicle rescue and extrication equipment
September 19, 2007
St. John's, Antigua
Prime Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer today that the nation's search and rescue team will be given state-of-art equipment for use in situations requiring the rescue and/or extrication of individuals trapped in vehicles involved in accidents.
“Our search and rescue team has received extensive training in vehicle rescue and extrication but so far there has been a lack of specialized equipment to carry out such operations. My government has now taken steps to correct this, and thanks to the excellent efforts of our UN Ambassador, Dr. John Ashe, our search and rescue team will now be equipped with the necessary material,” said the Prime Minister.
Minister of Heath the Honourable John Maginley also praised the efforts of Ambassador Ashe.
“My government had requested the urgent assistance of our overseas Missions, Embassies and Consulates, and I am pleased that our UN Mission was successful in securing funding for the equipment,” Minister Maginely said.
The Antigua and Barbuda search and rescue team was formed in May 2005. It is based at the St John's Fire Station on Factory Road and consists of personnel from the Police and Defence Forces; Fire Department; Emergency Management Services (EMS); and National Office of Disaster Services (NODS).
Since its inception, the team has received training in high angle rescue; K9; vehicle rescue and extrication; basic rope rescue and rappelling; incident command systems; mass casualty management; and weapons of mass destruction incident response.
The specialized equipment, which will be acquired from Holmatro Inc of Glen Burnie, Maryland in the US, include: ram core; mini cutter core; spreader core; long telescopic ram core; compact duo core; CT cutter core; chocks & blocks set; and lifting bags.
