WILTSHIRE Search and Rescue stand to get new kit to help them save homeowners from floodwater thanks to a £24,000 government grant.

The charity said the money would go on a new trailer for the water rescue team, another sled for rescuing people from flooded homes, dry-suits, helmets and life jackets.

Funding boost welcomed

John Needham, water lead for Wiltshire Search and Rescue and water rescue deputy director for the national body of search and rescue charities, welcomed the £24, 208 funding boost.

“This money will allow us to ensure that our volunteers continue to be equipped with exactly the right kit to keep them safe,” he said.

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“Watercourses and floodwater present some of the most dangerous hazards we can face in search and rescue. It is essential we have the right tools for the job.”

The money will be spent on:

  • A new trailer for the water team including livery, scene lighting racking and electrics. It will also have its own Honda EU22i Generator for operations in remote locations.
  • A second rescue sled for rescuing people from flooded properties, allowing the team to deal with multiple incidents simultaneously.

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  • New Dry-suit packages, containing all the PPE needed to equip our existing (and potential future) water team members with new kit that is the correct size for them.
  • A Sheerspeed pop-up tent, to act as a changing area for the water team, equipment dump or other purposes like scene preservation.
  • Helmets and rescue multitools to be individually issued to all operational team members, to keep them safe during bank search, steep ground and helicopter activities. Helmet-mounted torches.
  • New life jackets.
  • A casualty carry sheet and new flotation kit for use with the basket stretchers.
  • Water recovery body bag and water forensic kit, and body bag recovery sling system with cover.
  • A cover for the Outboard Engine that powers our boat.

MPs 'pleased' about new cash

Across the country, search and rescue teams have received £1m. More than £160,000 has gone to teams based in the south west.

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Volunteers have supported the emergency services during the recent floods in Gloucestershire and south Wales.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said he was pleased by the funding announcement: “Volunteers from Wiltshire Search and Rescue are regularly called out to assist Wiltshire Police in their search for missing vulnerable people, including children, people with learning difficulties, those with Alzheimer’s or dementia and those suffering with depression and suicidal tendencies.

“All members of the charity are trained in specialist search techniques and the discipline and respect required when handling missing people and their loved ones.

“Wiltshire Search and Rescue provide a vital service here in Swindon that our police force regularly calls upon and depend on, so I am pleased that they will benefit from this additional Government funding.”

Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon MP, added: “Wiltshire Search and Rescue regularly carry out lifesaving work here in Swindon, helping to locate high risk missing persons. I am pleased that they will receive this additional government funding to help them buy the essential search and rescue equipment that they need.”