Issue 48 - New Zealand Fire Service

18 Issue No. 48
New Technology
Kawau
first
response
vehicle
a first!
Kawau Island is an island
of exceptional beauty and
historic significance, and lies
approximately 14km east of
Warkworth, north of Auckland.
There are around 70 permanent residents and several hundred
residential sections, many with holiday homes. There are very few
roads and most of the properties are accessible by water only.
During the year, and especially over the summer months, the island
population swells by many thousands of day visitors, overseas
tourists and holiday makers.
At present there are five bays on the island with a first response
capability in case of medical, fire, environmental, Civil Defence
and other emergencies. For all local responses, the Kawau Island
emergency service personnel use their own boats or wait for the
next available water taxi, which can be delayed considerably
during the busy summer season. This is because there are no fire
appliances or ambulances on the island due to a lack of roading.
It was recognised several years ago that a dedicated marine rapid
response vessel was needed to be able to respond to a diverse
range of different emergencies as quickly as possible.
The decision was made to invest in a first response unit that was
appropriate to the island’s unique situation. A modified threeperson
jetski was seen as the best option for a number of reasons
– it can be launched by one person, can operate at high speeds and
was easily modified.
Five pods were installed on the jetski, one each for fire, medical,
lighting, environmental and one for special operations. Each pod
carries a specific set of emergency response tools suitable for
whichever emergency the team is responding to.
Although Surf Lifesavers and Coast Guard services use jetskis,
Kawau believe their Rapid Response Vessel is a first for
New Zealand (and possibly the world).
Dave Jeffreys and Mark Phillips
check out the new RRV.