Cessnock District Rescue Squad recently bought new portable rescue equipment thanks to a $17,595 grant from Orica’s Community Partnerships Program.
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The hydraulic rescue equipment includes a ram and a combination cutting-spreading tool.
Rescue squad spokesperson Chris Prince said the portable units will allow the squad to carry out extrication and rescue of persons from motor vehicles in remote or hard-to-access locations.
“The portable tools overcome this problem and with the vast geographical environment that the rescue squad covers, these tools will be of huge benefit to save lives in these locations as they will be stored in the rescue squad’s 4WD,” Mr. Prince said.
Orica staff attended the rescue squad’s Cessnock base training nights to present the grant and the tools were placed in the squad vehicle.
Just a few days later, the equipment was used to extricate a woman trapped in a car at Buchanan.
An Orica spokesperson said the company is committed to making a positive contribution and playing an active part in the communities where it operates.
The Community Partnerships Program was launched last year by Orica’s corporate office in Melbourne.
In the first round, 23 initiatives across six countries received funding to the combined value of $1.9 million over three years.
Mr. Prince said the rescue squad was thankful for Orica’s donation.
“All rescue equipment comes with a cost and without these grants it wouldn’t be possible to have these tools and items to be of use to the Cessnock and Kurri Kurri local communities when an emergency occurs,” he said.
If you can offer sponsorship, call the rescue squad on 4991 2444 or email cnckvra@bigpond.com.