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Holden donates vehicles for Road Rescue Challenge

21.07.2010

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Holden has donated 60 cars to the Australasian Road Rescue Organisation (ARRO) to help hone the emergency response skills of thousands of road rescue workers from around the world taking part in its annual training event.

The vehicles, previously used by Holden for engineering evaluation and not for public sale, include current Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and long-wheel base luxury models.

Each will be used by ARRO to provide crash scenarios for participants in the iRescue 2010 - State and Australasian Rescue Challenge from 23 to 27 July at Melbourne’s Royal Showgrounds.

Fifteen teams of road rescue workers from Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong will take part in the event, each performing three rounds of rescue exercises to improve their emergency response skills including rescue and medical treatment for injured motor vehicle occupants.

Holden Director – Integration and Safety, Ian Butler, said Holden was proud to continue its long association with ARRO in support of its efforts to reduce the road toll.

“Assisting ARRO is a significant part of Holden’s commitment to enhancing vehicle, road and passenger safety,” Mr Butler said.

“We greatly admire the work ARRO undertakes and are pleased we can help in their efforts to enhance the skills of the many men and women who attend motor vehicle crashes each day.

“It is this type of work that goes a long way towards reducing the road toll.”

Paul Jerome, Executive Officer of ARRO, said Holden’s involvement was a vital component to the success of the training event.

“Holden’s support of this program gives all our road rescue teams the incredibly valuable opportunity to undertake practical training drills using new vehicles,” said Mr Jerome.

“Such training gives them outstanding skills and techniques putting them at the forefront of rescue operations.

“The end result means the teams are better equipped to protect the lives of people involved in motor vehicle crashes.”

ARRO is the peak body in Australasia for the development and exchange of information, knowledge and skills in road rescue.  Its membership includes individuals and organisations in the emergency services such as fire services, state emergency services and ambulance services.