Urban Search and Rescue Equipment

The Government’s New Dimension project identified 17 Fire and Rescue Services to host Urban Search and Rescue vehicles and to receive equipment and training. All USAR teams have been supplied with the same five modules carrying identical equipment inventories along with three prime movers to transport the relevant module(s) to the scene of an incident.
The prime movers are based on a MAN 4-wheel drive, three-axle vehicle fitted with a hook lift loading system. The prime movers have a full ‘blue light’ capability, are fitted with communications equipment and are part of a national fleet of more than 200 which can, if necessary, be used to load, transport and deliver any of the New Dimension modular loads. This includes all USAR modules, high volume pumps, high volume hose loads, mass decontamination disrobe and re-robe modules.

USAR modules

Although nationally only three prime movers have been allocated for five USAR modules, there are fire and rescue service who have all five of these modules could, if necessary, be mobilised simultaneously by utilising prime movers that have been allocated to mass decontamination or high volume pumping modules.
Modules 1, 2 and 3 are identical in their external appearance, differentiated only by the identification markings on the front, side and roof of each module. These show the type of module (for example USAR 1) and the identification number for the individual module.

USAR modules 1,2,3

Modules 1, 2 and 3 have four doors along each side allowing the entire side to be opened to access the equipment stowed within it, they also have two rear doors allowing access primarily to equipment stored along the centre line of the module.
The inside face of all the doors has been lined in white plastic so that the open door can double as a whiteboard and be used for a variety of tasks, including the drawing of plans, listing equipment in use from the module or identifying the deployment positions of members of the USAR team.
These modules are fitted with heating and ventilation to ensure that the equipment stowed within is maintained at an acceptable temperature and humidity level. They are all able to be connected to a variety of power supplies which allow these features to remain active and available during periods of extended storage.
The following is an overview of the type of equipment carried on each module.

Module 1

Module 1 carries equipment for the following tasks:

• Scene assessment & safety
• Technical search
• Temporary shoring – metal
• Power generation & lighting
• Drills and concrete breakers
• Safe working at height
• Timber and timber cutting

Module 1 is also stowed with a small amount of timber, a selection of general hand tools, securing bolts and anchors as well as generators and lighting.

Module 2

An enclosed unit based on a 20’ ISO container with rear and side opening doors. The module will provide heavy rescue equipment required at a major transport incident. Both sides can be opened via cantilever doors. The interior of the module will be fitted with racks and shelves in which the equipment will be stowed. The module will have a heating and ventilation capability.

• Hot cutting
• Heavy hydraulic equipment
• Confined space working
• Rope access & rescue
• Timber chain saws
• Lifting & moving equipment
• Power generation & lighting
• Mechanics tools

Module 3

Module 3 carries equipment to carry out the following tasks:

• Timber shoring equipment
• Nailing equipment
• Bolts & anchors
• Power generation & lighting
• Large capacity air lift systems
• Fast cut saws
• Access & working platforms
• Hydraulic breaking & breaching

 

Module 4

Module 4 is also based on an ISO container but with fixed sides to a height of 1.2 metres. The module has a rear access door on the back of which are stowed four heavy duty ramps which are placed in position on the rear sill of the module to allow the Multi Purpose Vehicle to be driven off. There is also a side door to allow the MPV operator to access the MPV cab.

 

 

Module 4 is the transport module for the MPV.  The MPV has an enclosed cab and is a general use four-wheel drive utility vehicle with a forklift, rubble bucket and tipping back facility.  It is primarily supplied to assist in unloading and transporting equipment from the USAR modules.

 

The carrying module along with the prime mover also doubles as a spoil or rubble transport and tipper unit once the MPV has been taken off. Module 4 also carries an inflatable portable shelter along with a generator and lighting.

 

Secured in front of the MPV are two wheeled trolleys containing all the equipment necessary to set up an inflatable structure. This includes a generator that is also used to run the lighting unit supplied with the module.
All the equipment stowed in front of the MPV is protected from the elements by a heavy duty tilt which covers the front quarter of Module 4.

 

Module 5

Module 5 is a flatbed unit based on an ISO container designed to carry a timber load made up of varying lengths and dimensions. The load is held between removable side posts which are secured in position along each edge of the module bed and is further secured for transport by ratchet straps, all covered by a heavy duty tilt for protection from the elements. At the rear of the module are two metal stillages containing timber wedges and nails. These are secured to the load bed with crossed ratchet straps and are held in position by a removable tail gate and are also covered by the tilt.

Module 5 carries a considerable quantity of sawn timber, ply sheets and associated equipment.

Crew Bus

The crew bus is for carrying personnel and PPE to incidents. The crew bus will normally be used by the on duty team leader (WM / CM) When the USAR team are required the team leader will normally proceed to the incident ahead of the crew and star advising and preparing RVP for USAR prime movers.

Van for Canine Transport
An enclosed van (or similar) with a crew cab and rear compartment suitable for the transport of search and rescue canine(s). The vehicle will be fitted with the appropriate environmental controls, communications equipment and have a ‘blue-light’ capability.

The USAR teams have also been issued with an estate car and a Ford Transit crew bus for everyday support work.