Surrey Search & Rescue (SurSAR) has updated its fleet with a new Volkswagen Amarok pick-up for use by the organisation’s Lowland Rescue Unit, which operates in England’s most densely wooded county.
Specialising in the rescue of missing people, SurSAR covers large areas of wilderness on a day-to-day basis, and required a vehicle that could perform on all terrains.
The Amarok was chosen thanks to its combination of innovative technology including ESP and off-road ABS, and an impressive load area of 2.5m2. This isn’t the first time the model has been chosen for its off-road rescue capability, either.
The Amarok has been converted to purpose for SurSAR’s search and rescue operations and is the first of its kind to be in active service in the UK. Working as SurSAR’s initial response vehicle, the Amarok carries essential medical equipment and is fitted with the latest GPS tracking technology.
The Amarok’s permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive system delivers optimal off-road performance and gives the team the ability to tackle steep gradients of up to 45° and power through water depths of up to half a metre.
The Amarok has also been equipped to work with the unit’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), better known as a drone. The rear of the Amarok is fitted with a fold-out monitor on which rescue workers can view a video feed from the unit’s UAV. This is fitted with cameras to enable the team to search the surrounding area for any changes in terrain or colour that might indicate a missing person.
In terrain with limited visibility, being able to zoom in on the search area from above could save hours of searching — and potentially save lives.