Midlands EMS is proud to announce the addition of the first unit in our newly established Fire Suppression Division – a major milestone in our continued commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities across the Howick area and surrounding communities.
The new Fire Suppression Unit has been purpose-built to work in close partnership with local fire departments, volunteer firefighting teams, and emergency services crews. Its primary role will be to assist in the rapid containment of fires, protect property, and safeguard the lives of residents in our communities. Whether responding to wildfires, structural fires, or vehicle fires, the unit will be a valuable force multiplier in critical situations.
With the devastating fires that have occurred in recent years, Midlands EMS recognises the urgent need for additional firefighting resources in Howick and the surrounding areas. The addition of this unit to our fleet is not just an upgrade – it is an essential measure to ensure we are better prepared to assist during future incidents and to support our firefighting partners when every second counts.
In addition to advanced firefighting equipment, the vehicle will also be fully fitted with the Jaws of Life and a comprehensive range of rescue tools, enabling our crews to perform complex extrications during motor vehicle accidents and other technical rescue scenarios. This dual-purpose capability means the Fire Suppression Unit can respond not only to fire incidents, but also to a wide variety of emergencies requiring specialized rescue intervention.
The Fire Suppression Unit will also work alongside our highly trained Midlands EMS K9 Unit, adding another layer of capability to our emergency response operations. Our K9s, trained in search and rescue, will assist during fire-related rescues, missing person searches, and disaster responses – ensuring we can provide the fastest and most comprehensive assistance possible.
The unit will be staffed by highly trained Midlands EMS personnel with firefighting, technical rescue, and K9 operations experience, ensuring that every response is handled with professionalism, speed, and care. The addition of this vehicle strengthens Midlands EMS’s reputation as the longest-operating private ambulance service in the Howick area, now with expanded capabilities beyond advanced life support and medical rescue.
This initiative marks the beginning of a broader plan to grow the Fire Suppression Division over the coming years, ensuring that Howick and the surrounding areas continue to benefit from world-class emergency resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.