The British Red Cross are using a highly customised Land Rover Defender to reach emergency patients and vulnerable people in the remote areas of North Wales. The vehicle is fitted with a solar powered battery charger, 4G-connected antenna and a mobile kettle, the Daily Post reports.
The 4×4 Defender 130 was donated to the charity by Jaguar Land Rover to mark the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II, in honour of her position as the patron of the British Red Cross for the majority of her reign.
The high powered car will be able to tackle the toughest of terrain in all weather conditions, allowing first responders to reach injured or trapped walkers, cyclists, or climbers. It will also enable them to reach vulnerable people who live in remote areas that are difficult to access in a conventional vehicle, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Crucially, the enhanced network access will enable emergency workers to make contact with other teams and people on the ground, even when the phone lines are down during severe storms.
The solar power will allow the responders to keep essential equipment charged without depleting the vehicle’s power source, and the water boiler will enable crews to make hot drinks for patients suffering from the effects of cold exposure.
Laurie Wynne, the British Red Cross’s Senior Emergency Response Officer for Wales, told North Wales Live: “Our emergency response vehicles are essential to our work and this new, enhanced vehicle will add a great deal to a fleet that already serves us well.”
“Our volunteers have responded to severe storms with extreme winds, driving rains, power cuts and fallen power lines. In these situations, councils, health boards and care workers can’t reach the vulnerable people they need to help. It falls on us, with our vehicles and drivers to overcome treacherous conditions to help those in need.”
He added: “One of the biggest challenges our Emergency Response Teams face in North Wales is communication given the limited mobile phone coverage across some areas. Our volunteers are resourceful and find ways to work around these issues, but the new vehicle’s 4G connected-antenna will make their work much easier.
“Crucially, the 4G network will help us get vital communications infrastructure to those who’ve been cut off by storms; even when phone masts are down.”
Paul Bodman, British Red Cross National Fleet Manager, said: “The solar power system means we’ll be able to deploy the vehicle for longer periods, charging critical equipment like phones, radios, torches and laptops in the field rather than having to return to base.”
Chris Davies, Head of Crisis and Emergency Response at the British Red Cross, added: “This generous donation will have a massive impact on our emergency responders in North Wales, ensuring that we can continue to support people wherever they are and whatever the British weather can throw at us.”
The Red Cross are a voluntary organisation who are on standby to react during natural disasters, conflicts, and to provide support to the most vulnerable citizens in their time of need.
If you are looking for a 4×4 parts centre, please visit our website today.
Write A Comment