Fury Motor Group is sponsoring a brand new Ford Ranger, 3.2 Super Cab, manual, 4×2, vehicle that has been custom built as a road accident support vehicle. The on-board equipment is sponsored by Cartrack and will comprise of a full range of Holmatro hydraulic extrication and stabilising toolsets, a Lukas Jaws of Life set that includes a spreader and cutter in addition to high angle rope rescue equipment. Netcare 911 manages and operates the unit which is manned by a team of qualified Netcare 911 personnel as well as trained volunteers from Fury Motor Group and Cartrack that support the unit.
Marq Roberts, Group CEO of Fury Motor Group says that the unique road accident support vehicle is first and foremost a project that belongs to the community. “This year marks Fury Group’s thirteenth year of sponsoring the rapid intervention unit, having been particularly involved with Netcare 911 for the past nine years. The purpose of the unit is to attend to an accident scene irrespective of the accident victim’s medical aid status or financial standing – at no charge – and is an invaluable support for paramedic and fire personnel on the ground. The brand new unit was stationed at the Van Reenen’s pass over the Easter weekend,” says Marq.
According to Craig Grindell, COO of Netcare 911, the rapid intervention unit is a pivotal resource that is available to all on the road. “The unit was initially utilised in support of rescue crews at accident scenes, to protect them from distracted motorists that react too late and crash into existing accident scenes. It has however evolved and grown to incorporate full extrication capabilities that provide the means for any trapped and critically injured patient to be freed, ultimately making a big difference in the outcome of patients,” says Craig.
During 2013, Cartrack, a leading vehicle tracking and recovery, fleet management and telematics service provider, stepped on-board as a co-sponsor to the rapid intervention unit, providing the unit with the equipment that it needs. “The safety of motorists on the road is a key concern that is at the heart of what we do as a company. The rapid intervention unit provides a means for us to make a difference in the lives of people, when they absolutely need it the most. With this in mind we have kitted the new unit out with a collection of highly advanced toolsets that are capable of extricating entrapped patients from most vehicles,” says Juan Marais, Sales Director of Cartrack.
According to Craig Grindell of Netcare 911 the rapid intervention unit makes a fundamental difference in the fate of a trapped patient’s life. “I would like to sincerely thank all the stakeholders in making the rapid intervention unit a possibility. At its core it is an honourable and professional project that echoes our Netcare values of caring for patients and we are extremely proud to be involved with the running of the project through Netcare 911 and to be associated with everyone that makes the rapid intervention unit the success that it is,” concludes Craig.