We are pleased to have welcomed a new Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) vehicle, marking a significant investment in national resilience and the future of specialist rescue capability within our Service.
The modern unit will support our firefighters in responding to a wide range of complex incidents, both locally and as part of the UK-wide National Resilience response. Designed to transport specialist equipment and resources, it will help ensure crews have access to the tools they need when responding to challenging rescue operations.
The arrival of the new unit represents continued investment in maintaining and enhancing our USAR capability and enhanced technical rescue skills. Delivered through National Resilience, the vehicle forms part of a wider programme to modernise specialist rescue assets and ensure fire and rescue services across the country remain equipped to respond effectively to major incidents.
We are proud to be one of the UK’s designated USAR teams, with specially trained personnel ready to deploy in support of local and national incidents. The new vehicle will provide enhanced reliability, improved functionality and increased resilience for crews undertaking this vital role.
Kevin Mercer, USAR Station Commander shared;
“Being part of the UK’s Urban Search and Rescue capability is a responsibility that our team takes great pride in. Behind every deployment is a significant amount of training, preparation and collaboration, and it is vital that our crew have access to equipment and assets that support that work. This investment reflects the ongoing commitment to maintaining a strong and resilient national capability and ensures our team is well placed to continue delivering specialist support whenever it is needed. We look forward to beginning the next phase of training with the vehicle and preparing it for service in the months ahead.”
Barry Mallindine, Station Manager, from National Resilience Assurance Team shared;
“Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service has hosted an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team since the capability was introduced in the early 2000s as part of the Government’s New Dimension programme. Alongside 17 other hosting Fire and Rescue Services, Buckinghamshire has played a key role in developing and delivering the UK’s national USAR capability, providing highly trained personnel and specialist resources to support communities during some of the country’s most challenging incidents.
This investment in a new First Response Vehicle reflects the Government’s continued commitment to maintaining a world-class USAR capability, equipping teams with the skills, training and technology needed to remain a modern fire and rescue service. It also demonstrates the strong partnership between National Resilience and Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, ensuring that specialist teams remain ready to respond wherever they are needed.
Through the Government funded New Dimensions 2 programme, USAR teams have benefited from significant enhancements in equipment, training and operational capability. The new First Response Vehicle is a key part of that investment, providing a faster, more agile and flexible response to incidents such as building collapses, major transport incidents and other complex emergencies.
By improving mobilisation times, enabling earlier scene assessment and supporting the rapid deployment of specialist personnel and equipment, the vehicle will further strengthen the UK’s overall USAR capability. It will help ensure that national assets can be deployed quickly and effectively, enhancing public safety, strengthening national resilience and improving outcomes for our communities.”
While the new unit has now arrived, it will undergo a period of familiarisation, training and equipment integration before officially entering service. During this time, our existing USAR modules will remain fully operational and available to respond to incidents, ensuring there is no impact on emergency response capability. The official handover of the new vehicle is expected to take place in the new year, following completion of training and readiness activities.