Visit from Hong Kong to WAS:

Handover and exchange about the new infection rescue vehicle

Last week, we had a very special visitor at Wietmarscher Ambulanz- und Sonderfahrzeug GmbH (WAS): a delegation from Hong Kong, consisting of representatives from our local partner MAN Truck and Bus Hong Kong Limited, the purchasing company EMSD and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), travelled to take delivery of the first infection rescue vehicle (I-RTW) produced by WAS. This special vehicle, which was specially developed for the safe transport of highly infectious patients, represents an important step for the rescue service in Hong Kong.

Acceptance of the WAS 500 infection rescue vehicle

The delegation used their visit to Germany to take a close look at the new WAS 500 infection ambulance. This vehicle was designed to the highest technical and medical standards to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients with highly infectious diseases. The ambulance is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables patients to be safely isolated, while providing the necessary flexibility and protection for the emergency services to carry out their work under these special conditions.

The successful completion of the acceptance test is the result of close collaboration between WAS and our partners in Hong Kong. We are particularly pleased that we will soon be starting construction of the second infection rescue vehicle for the Hong Kong Fire Department. The two vehicles will significantly expand the fire service's capacity to deal with infectious patients and thus make an important contribution to public health and safety.

Exchange of experiences at the Cologne fire brigade

In addition to the vehicle inspection, another important item on the delegation's agenda was a visit to the Cologne fire brigade. This provided the opportunity for an in-depth discussion about the special challenges and requirements when dealing with highly infectious patients in the emergency services. The Cologne fire brigade has many years of experience with its own infection rescue vehicle, which is specially designed for such operations.

During their visit to Cologne, the guests from Hong Kong had the opportunity to inspect the Cologne Fire Department's vehicle and learn first-hand how such operations are organised and carried out in Germany. This exchange provided valuable insights and helped to optimise the implementation of rescue service standards in Hong Kong.

Training and commissioning in Hong Kong

Now that the second I-RTW has been completed and both vehicles have been delivered to Hong Kong, another chapter in this exciting project is about to begin: our colleagues from WAS will be travelling to Hong Kong to provide the local fire service personnel with comprehensive training on how to operate the new vehicles. This training is essential, as the complexity and technical equipment of the I-RTW requires specialised knowledge. This is the only way to ensure that the personnel are optimally prepared for deployment with these highly specialised ambulances.

Another milestone for WAS

The construction and delivery of the infection control ambulances for the Hong Kong Fire Department once again emphasises the innovative strength and international reach of WAS. We are proud to be able to contribute to global safety and health through our expertise and high-quality products. The delegation's visit and the associated exchange of ideas encourages us in our endeavours to continue developing solutions that meet the special challenges of the emergency services.

We look forward to the next steps in this project and are confident that the new infection control ambulances will make the Hong Kong Fire Service even better prepared for future challenges.