Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) crews today launched two new water rescue units as part of a training exercise at the St. Vital Boat Launch. The new units will maintain the WFPS’s capacity for water, ice, and swift water rescues by replacing existing units that have reached the end of their usable lifespan.
“This is another great example of the innovative solutions and value for money projects being undertaken at the City of Winnipeg,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “Investment in equipment and technology that enhance public safety and the safety of our first responders is an important consideration in our annual budget planning.”
“These new units were designed with input from a committee that included water rescue technicians, safety officers, and emergency vehicle mechanics and features some very unique technology that will benefit the public and members of our water rescue team,” said Deputy Chief Tom Wallace, WFPS. “These units are more nimble because they enable the rapid delivery and deployment of the rescue boat that is stored within the vehicle. By reducing the time it takes to put these units in the water, we gain valuable time during a rescue operation and can reach people faster.”
Wallace added that the addition of onboard auxiliary power units that activate after five minutes of idle time will help reduce carbon emissions. The generator will reduce the need to run the truck’s engine to power lights and heating systems during a long rescue event which will extend the lifespan of the truck’s powertrain.
An additional new feature that will improve response times is a rapid deployment ice rescue system that can be inflated in about a minute using a built-in inflation device. The WFPS’s older water rescue units required the use of an air pump and generator to inflate ice rescue equipment which added time to their deployment.
Background
The new water rescue units were manufactured locally and built on a Freightliner M2 106 chassis. The custom design includes a zodiac boat and motor. The newly designed water rescue units also include a lit and heated area for changing and a space for the storage water rescue suits.
Firefighters who have received special training operate the vehicles. A crew of four is the normal compliment with two members being in the zodiac boat and two members remaining on shore.
The units will be located at Station 3 (337 Des Meurons Street) and Station 23 (880 Dalhousie Drive).
Cost for each new unit was $543,000. Ongoing lease costs and operation of the water rescue units are submitted annually as part of the WFPS annual operating budget. 2017 fleet capital lease charges were approved as part of the 2017 Operating Budget.