The Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities will be safer this bushfire season thanks to ongoing Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulance (HARA) training for specialist paramedics in the region.
This regular HARA training includes off-road, beach driving and operating the various safety features to ensure our highly trained special operations paramedics are prepared to act in the toughest environments.
The fleet of eight new HARAs was launched by Minister for Health Ryan Park in October 2024 as part of a $14.8 million package to optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.
The HARAs are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments, including around fire grounds, and have a burn-over crew protection system which sprays water over and around the vehicle to keep it cool.
NSW Ambulance carefully planned and modified the vehicles with enhanced safety features to ensure they can withstand harsh environments.
External flammable components were replaced with fire-resistant materials and critical vehicle infrastructure has been wrapped in fire-retardant material so they will not melt or burn in a bushfire situation.
The exoskeleton of the vehicle has been reinforced to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.
The all-terrain vehicles were carefully designed by the NSW Ambulance team with a range of specific features, making them world-first vehicles that optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.
The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort.
The HARAs are strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Bomaderry, Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra and Wagga Wagga, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park:
"NSW Ambulance HARAs are the first of their kind in the world and are proving to be an invaluable resource during natural disasters like fires and floods.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped and ready to help our communities when they are at their most vulnerable.
"These vehicles have been built to withstand harsh environments, allowing the highly skilled paramedics who operate them to swiftly, and safely access patients in difficult terrain and conditions.
"As summer approaches, it's vital to plan ahead for natural disasters - and that includes residents undertaking their own bushfire risk assessment and preparing a survival plan to save our emergency services for those who need it most."
Quotes attributable to Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:
"We are fortunate to have these specialist vehicles at our disposal on the South Coast, to give our residents access to world-class frontline care when they need it the most.
"The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have faced their fair share of natural disasters in recent years and it's comforting to know that NSW Ambulance paramedics can access patients during these difficult times."
Quotes attributable to Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney:
"These vehicles are an incredible asset to our communities, making it possible for paramedics to help people in some of the most difficult situations.
"I want to thank the hard-working paramedics and other front-line workers who keep our communities safe during bushfire season and year around"
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"These vehicles are a massive investment in NSW Ambulance's capability, and ensure our staff have access to the latest technology and ground-breaking assets.
"The HARAs are equipped with enhanced safety features and include a multi-agency communication system, enabling us to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.
"Now that the 2025/26 bushfire season is officially underway, NSW Ambulance is working hard to ensure staff have the training and resources at hand to deal with emergencies as they arise."
