Mysore gets hi-tech rescue van

PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM
Equipped: Fire and Emergency Services personnel with Regional Fire Officer C. Gurulingaiah (left) in front of a rescue van at the Saraswathipuram Fire Station in Mysore on Friday.

MYSORE: As a first step towards integrating various technologies for effective management of emergencies in Mysore, the Regional Office of the Department Fire and Emergency Services at Saraswathipuram here has procured an ultra-modern rescue van equipped with devices necessary to swiftly attend to disasters such as floods, building collapse, boat tragedies and train and road accidents. The vehicle arrived here on Friday when the city is gearing up to host the annual 10-day long Dasara festivities which attract tourists from far and wide. The van, cost of which is estimated at Rs. 1 crore, has been procured under the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF). Six such hi-tech vans have been procured for the State, including one for Mysore.

Regional Fire Officer C. Gurulingaiah told The Hindu that Karnataka was the first State to have such vans fitted with equipment that were essential to handle emergencies. Emergencies could be handled effectively with such a facility, he added. “The vehicle has been designed according to requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services Department and most of the equipment in it are imported,” he said Mr. Gurulingaiah said that the van was equipped with four hydraulic-driven portable generators used to operate devices such as iron and concrete cutters and high-speed saw machines. “The van has a device that helps in removing mangled metal of vehicles to facilitate rescue operations after accidents.” It has a lifeboat to attend to drowning incidents, thermal imaging cameras to see objects in dark areas and a pair of aluminium suit, a protective gear for fire personnel.

Apart from a 35-ft manually operated ladder fitted to the van, the vehicle has hydraulic searchlights with 360 degree rotating system.
“When power supply is snapped during emergencies such as building collapse, these lights will be useful for carrying out rescue operations,” he said. The van is also equipped with a specially manufactured generator, which runs when the vehicle’s engine is turned on, life jackets and ropes. Six persons can operate the devices in the van during rescue operations.