Essential firefighting equipment and medical supplies have been donated to the Solomon Islands in a joint effort by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), Australian Federal Police and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
The 60 FRNSW ‘turn-out’ kits, valued at more than $60,000, will provide local firefighters with modern Personal Protection Equipment, including coats and pants, to help boost fire and rescue capability in the South Pacific Nation.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the new equipment and medical supplies will significantly increase the local capacity to respond to fires and other emergencies.
“Fire and Rescue NSW crews have been on the ground in the Solomon Islands doing an incredible job helping communities,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our firefighters understand the need for the proper protective gear and medical provisions during an emergency. It’s fantastic to see their equipment and knowledge being put to good use helping their firefighting counterparts in the Solomon Islands.”
FRNSW has also delivered a supply of surplus medical kits to the Islands, including training defibrillators, bag valve masks, trauma kits, resuscitation mannequins, sterile bandages and oxygen therapy masks.
Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Inspector Gary Power who has been providing technical assistance on the ground in the Solomons since the public unrest in November last year said this support is desperately needed.
“This equipment means the world to local crews on the ground. It will give them the confidence and capability they need to tackle emergencies and medical incidents head-on,” Mr Power said.
“Until now, the only so-called ‘protective clothing’ available to many Solomon Islands fire crews has been unsuitable for the job of firefighting.”
Be the first to comment