Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action delivers equipment to firefighters and SIV teams

April 17, 2024

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, delivered new extrication equipment to all fire brigades in the Azores and personal protective equipment to all the teams that make up the Immediate Life Support Service (SIV).

Alonso Miguel, responsible for the Civil Protection department, stressed that "the Regional Government fully acknowledges the importance of firefighters." He pointed out that "the ongoing work, investment and support to this sector demonstrate the unwavering commitment to the recognition, safety and well-being" of firefighters.

In addition to the delivery of specialised footwear to all SIV vehicle crew members, ensuring greater protection and comfort when carrying out their missions, 17 extrication sets were also delivered, each consisting of a battery-operated impact wrench and its accessories, a bit box, a compact battery-operated sabre saw and respective accessories, and a 600mm cable cutter.

These new rescue and extrication tools complement the existing equipment and put the latest techniques and methodologies into practice, ensuring that firefighters can swiftly respond, particularly in road accidents with incarcerated victims.

On the occasion, the Regional Secretary also recalled that the Region will host the World Trauma and Injury Championship, which will take place between November 5 and 9 on the island of Terceira.

"This will be an event that will place us at the centre of the trauma and extrication universe. Once again, it will be a moment to reaffirm our expertise, skills and ability to demonstrate that we are at the forefront of this area of rescue," stressed Alonso Miguel.

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action spoke during the opening of another Rescue Ambulance Crew (TAS) course at the Azores Civil Protection and Fire Service Training Centre, where he stressed the importance of continuing to "invest in the training and qualification of pre-hospital staff."