TIMMINS – Side by sides may be regarded as all-terrain vehicles for good times, but the Timmins Fire Department is using one to save lives.
Bought in August, the side by side recently had its tracks installed. It's now ready to be used to rescue stranded snowmobilers or anyone else that needs help in a remote location.
"It did boost morale a lot. It's got everyone involved excited… it's a new piece of equipment that everybody's learning on," said Deputy Chief Ellard Beaven, Timmins Fire Department.
Snowmobile season in Timmins is long and with it comes a higher probability of someone getting lost or stuck in the bush.
"Over the years we've had several rescues that required, on skidoo trails and several times when I was Captain, we had to walk several kilometres in to go in and remove a patient off the skidoo trail… we didn't have access to the skidoos as quickly as we needed them, so we realized we needed to better serve our customers," explained Beaven.
Purchased with the additions of a dedicated pickup truck and trailer, Beaven says it all totals around $40,000, but says it has many uses.
"With different fire calls, as far as bush fires bringing our staff in as well as pumps and hoses, and as well as the groomed skidoo trails, we can change the unit out to bring in stokes baskets… stretchers, and our Fortuna as well to bring more patients out."
All firefighters are trained on the new vehicle. So far it's responded to some wild land fires, lost persons and rescues. They say it will also make their job safer.
"We won't be carrying any heavy equipment in or out… The stretcher will go in the back if we have to bring a patient out so it's going to make it a lot smoother and better for the residents of Timmins," said John Mavrinac, Firefighter.
The side by side is kept inside at the Timmins Fire Hall and is always ready to go.
Timmins police officers will also be able to use it once they have completed training.
