A safety and technology agency conglomerate is using the Hino 700 Series as the base for a technologically advanced command control vehicle
The National Safety Agency has developed a prototype emergency services integrated communications (ESIC) vehicle based on the Hino 700 Series.
The initiative is in partnership with the Innovation Program, the Victorian Fire Services Commissioner and other Victorian Government departments,
The unit is designed to handle a range of incidents and allow emergency service agencies to demonstrate their capabilities to Australia and the world.
The Hino-based ESIC vehicle has been in operation for over two years. A generator was installed behind the cabin along with a full suite of communication devices and emergency lighting upon delivery.
It provides high-capacity broadband data for use on smart devices by emergency services and command personnel, giving them real time intelligence.
It is designed to provide the right information to assist in events including fire, flood and terrorist attacks.
The ESIC vehicle also allows emergency services to supply information to communities during an emergency situation.
National Safety Agency chairman and president Des Bahr says
While the ESIC vehicle has been labelled a prototype, the emergencies it has assisted in are real. The Hazelwood power station and Ccoal mine fire in February 2014 is one example.
The Hazelwood fire was one of the Victoria’s largest natural disasters since the devastating Black Sunday bushfires in 2011.
“The ESIC vehicle assisted by providing a range of expanded communications, including satellite and WiFi, and enabled real-time intelligence sharing between the incident control team at the power station to the state control centre,” National Safety Agency chairman and president Des Bahr says.
“It provided services that were not available prior to its deployment, and we received positive feedback from the agencies who experienced the benefits provided by the ESIC vehicle.”