The Newcastle community 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, and ensures 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 further build the state's flood rescue capabilities.
The HARAs are designed to drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres and were used to access patients during Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the NSW mid-north coast floods earlier this year.
Equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments, including around fire grounds, the HARAs are equipped with 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 Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"NSW Ambulance HARAs are top of the line and the first of their kind in the world, enabling our paramedics to access patients in difficult terrains, including during natural disasters like fires and floods.
"The highly skilled paramedics who operate these vehicles receive regular training to ensure both their safety - and that of their patients - remains the main priority.
"As we head into summer it's important to plan ahead for emergencies, 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.
"The Minns Government is committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped and ready to help our communities when they need it most."
Quotes attributable to Member for Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:
"Our region deserves strong, reliable frontline care, and while we're fortunate to have incredible paramedics delivering it, we must make sure they are equipped with everything they need to get the job done.
"We are fortunate to have these specialist vehicles at our disposal which will help get community members the help they need at times when they are most vulnerable.
"Our region has faced its fair share of natural disasters in recent years and it is a comfort to know that help is at hand when we need it most."
Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:
"NSW Ambulance is leading the way when it comes to innovative assets and these vehicles are a massive investment in the organisation's capability.
"The HARAs are equipped with the latest technology including a multi-agency communication system improving the organisation's capability to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.
"With the official 2025/26 bushfire season set to commence on October 1, 2025, NSW Ambulance - along with other emergency services - is working hard to ensure staff have the training and resources at hand to deal with emergencies as they arise."
