Ranger 33 Project

March/April 2009

Swine Flu Update

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The department through the Northwest Central PA Emergency Response Group and the US Department of Homeland Security have received a 2008 Polaris Ranger six-wheel drive vehicle that can be utilized for search and rescues, welfare checks, patient extrications from inaccessible terrain and other activities needed.  With the events that occurred in the eastern part of Pennsylvania in February, 2007, the state has tasked Emergency Management and the emergency services community to make checks on stranded motorists along our Interstate system when there is a long term closure where motorists are stranded.  This unit will be available to make the rounds through traffic checking on the motorist and to deliver necessary supplies as needed.  Three of these units were purchased throughout the six county region that will be shared.  The Jefferson unit will be shared between Jefferson and Clarion counties; Clearfield between Clearfield and Elk and Cameron County’s unit between Cameron and McKean.  Of course each unit can be utilized anywhere in the six county region.  Additional equipment to be installed in this unit includes UHF and VHF radio interface, additional lights and equipment.

 This unit has been requested eight times since it was received July 1, 2008 and has transported five patients to safety in 2008.