Rescue radio keeps brigade in touch

Ruapehu Bulletin, 3 August 1993, Page 2 (Supplement)

Rescue radio keeps brigade in touch

The Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade now has a much better communication link with Turoa Ski Resort and the Department of Conservation thanks to Comtel Systems Limited of Wanganui and Turoa Ski Resort who have donated a radio to the Fire Brigade. The brigade operates a four-wheel drive rescue tender which is on first call-out to any accidents on the Ohakune Mountain Road. "With the steep and demanding conditions on the road, particularly over the winter period, close contact between all parties is essential," says Rob Finlayson of Turoa Ski

Resort. "Because the radio is being used for safety purposes it is imperative that there are no mis-com-munications with the messages being relayed." Tony Philip-Wright of Comtel Systems says the Motorola GM300 being installed in the Rescue Tender is top-of-the-line radio, built to military specifications. "It works in all places around the mountain and on the mountain road and the clarity of communication is excellent even in extreme conditions. Add to that, the fact that it is very simple to operate and the Rescue Tender has a superb tool to help assess the situation at an accident site".

In the past the Fire Brigade has had to use the telephone system to maintain contact with DoC and Turoa staff. With the new Motorola radio, emergency staff will be in direct* contact with people at the accident site itself. The Motorola radio will have frequencies for both Turoa and DoC enabling the Brigade to speak directly to Turoa rescue and road staff and DoC staff. "Being at the accident site itself, these staff will have the latest and most detailed information about any accidents on the mountain road. The information will prove invaluable for an accurate and Tum to page 3

Rescue radio

From page 2 rapid assessment of the situation and ensure the right equipment and personnel are sent to the accident site as quickly as possible", said Ben Goddard, Deputy Fire Chief of the Ohakune Brigade. "We are extremely grateful for the continued support from organisations such as Turoa Ski Resort and Comtel Systems. Because of its specialist nature, equipment like the Motorola GM300, is generally out of our reach."