Fire service enhances emergency response with rapid response vehicles | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Odisha fire services has strengthened its emergency response capabilities by acquiring 25 ‘multipurpose’ rapid response vehicles. These specialised units, which are designed to handle both road and railway accidents effectively, come fitted with crucial rescue equipment required for managing post-disaster rescue and recovery operations.
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to officially flag off the quick response units next week, sources said. “The advanced equipment in these vehicles includes hydraulic cutters for vehicle extrication, high-powered search lights for night operations, and specialised stretchers for safe casualty evacuation. The foam fire extinguishers are particularly useful in combating fuel-based fires, while the water tanks ensure immediate fire-fighting capability,” a senior govt official said.
According to sources, the fire and emergency service directorate has identified 100 accident-prone stretches in different districts where these rapid response vehicles will be mobilised during mishaps.
“These units will be stationed strategically across the state to ensure swift action during emergencies. Each vehicle will be assigned specific routes and areas of operation, particularly focusing on the accident-prone zones identified by the directorate. The vehicles will be manned by trained personnel who can respond to various emergency situations, including road accidents, train derailments, and fire incidents,” the official said.
The fire service department is planning to establish a centralised command and control room to coordinate the deployment of these vehicles. The control room will operate round the clock and use GPS tracking to monitor the location of each response unit. This system will help in dispatching the nearest vehicle to accident sites, thereby reducing response time significantly.
The department has conducted extensive training programmes for its personnel to familiarise them with the new equipment and emergency response protocols. The training covers various scenarios, including road accident rescue, railway emergency response, and fire-fighting techniques.
“The initiative aims to reduce casualties in accidents by providing prompt medical assistance and rescue operations. We have also established partnerships with local hospitals and emergency medical services to ensure seamless coordination during rescue operations. This integrated approach is expected to enhance the overall emergency response system in Odisha,” the official stated.
Recently, the department acquired 39 specialised fire-fighting motorcycles through its modernisation initiative. These first-ever fire bikes in the force have been designed to serve as first response units and navigate efficiently through narrow streets during emergencies.
The bikes are equipped with 45-litre water tanks, fire extinguishers, sirens, first-aid supplies, and hose equipment. These units can dispense water at 10 litres per minute using high-pressure pumps.
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to officially flag off the quick response units next week, sources said. “The advanced equipment in these vehicles includes hydraulic cutters for vehicle extrication, high-powered search lights for night operations, and specialised stretchers for safe casualty evacuation. The foam fire extinguishers are particularly useful in combating fuel-based fires, while the water tanks ensure immediate fire-fighting capability,” a senior govt official said.
According to sources, the fire and emergency service directorate has identified 100 accident-prone stretches in different districts where these rapid response vehicles will be mobilised during mishaps.
“These units will be stationed strategically across the state to ensure swift action during emergencies. Each vehicle will be assigned specific routes and areas of operation, particularly focusing on the accident-prone zones identified by the directorate. The vehicles will be manned by trained personnel who can respond to various emergency situations, including road accidents, train derailments, and fire incidents,” the official said.
The fire service department is planning to establish a centralised command and control room to coordinate the deployment of these vehicles. The control room will operate round the clock and use GPS tracking to monitor the location of each response unit. This system will help in dispatching the nearest vehicle to accident sites, thereby reducing response time significantly.
The department has conducted extensive training programmes for its personnel to familiarise them with the new equipment and emergency response protocols. The training covers various scenarios, including road accident rescue, railway emergency response, and fire-fighting techniques.
“The initiative aims to reduce casualties in accidents by providing prompt medical assistance and rescue operations. We have also established partnerships with local hospitals and emergency medical services to ensure seamless coordination during rescue operations. This integrated approach is expected to enhance the overall emergency response system in Odisha,” the official stated.
Recently, the department acquired 39 specialised fire-fighting motorcycles through its modernisation initiative. These first-ever fire bikes in the force have been designed to serve as first response units and navigate efficiently through narrow streets during emergencies.
The bikes are equipped with 45-litre water tanks, fire extinguishers, sirens, first-aid supplies, and hose equipment. These units can dispense water at 10 litres per minute using high-pressure pumps.
