Mobile command unit for crises

GEORGE NEWS - George Fire and Rescue has taken delivery of a state-of-the-art mobile incident command unit that will be used to manage administration and support on the scene of a crisis, disaster or rescue situation.

Chief Fire Officer Neels Barnard says the custom-built minibus is effectively a mini crisis command centre. It can collect and distribute real-time data that will enable decision-makers and role players that are not on the scene to respond appropriately to a given situation.

The George municipal area has diverse circumstances and it emergency situations are often extraordinary, ranging from mountain, cliff-side and sea rescues and recoveries to runaway fires, floods, wind damage and more.

"Most of these happen far from crisis centre hubs, which require constant scene-to-management feedback and updates, which in turn draws essential emergency workers off site and away from the important work of saving lives and property," says Barnard.

"The Type-3 mobile command unit is equipped with technology that bridges the gap so that emergency personnel can stay on site and get on with their work, while providing online, real-time information and footage to decision-makers that support and finance the work on the ground. The communications capacity also means the ability to synchronise multi-agency situations that require communication to joint operations centres, government role players and other stakeholders almost anywhere in the world."

George Mayor Leon van Wyk (left) fist bumps Brandon Woolley of Ramcom, the company that fitted the vehicle for its advanced requirements.

The unit can be set up almost anywhere in a short time. It is the first of its kind in the country with a high roof to allow for standing room and additional above-counter space. The technology on board includes two computerised workstations, radio frequency transceivers and internet access, an electric generator and solar panels, and a fixed camera with live footage capability to allow remote monitoring.

It can operate in an environment with little or no basic facilities, including no electrical service and phone lines, and can generate its own power to operate independently for at least three days.

The back section of the vehicle incorpo-rates a type-3 hazardous materials response unit with a mobile decontamination unit, hazardous materials suits and equipment for detecting chemicals, harmful gases and radiation.

The mobile incident commands centre is self-sustaining and kitted out with state-of-the art equipment.

The vehicle was financed with Western Cape grant funding and kitted out using municipal funds.

"We are grateful that provincial government and Council recognise the diverse challenges of firefighting in the George Municipality and surrounds. We continue to see the significant difference it makes in the field where lives and properties are saved every day," said Barnard.

The mobile incident command centre.