Last year we reported on the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), which selected the Dieci ICARUS 40.14 telehandler to assist its local teams stationed all over Germany.
Today we want to tell you how our Icarus telehandler got on during a joint exercise conducted during March 2019 with the local fire department of Sondershausen, in which a THW team used the vehicle during a simulated emergency evacuation of inhabitants and their possessions, in anticipation of the hypothetical collapse of a nearby dam.
TELEHANDLERS FOR CIVIL PROTECTION, FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND ARMED FORCES
During the exercise, Icarus demonstrated that it can cope with the most extreme situations: from removing rubble with its shovel, to transporting objects or people at height using its basket and other accessories.
The volunteers of the Sondershausen section of THW told us that they were very satisfied and several team members are now completing driving courses so that they can use this versatile vehicle to its fullest potential (in real emergencies).
If new recruit ICARUS has a bright future, there is a veteran (an Apollo 25.6) that has already accumulated a remarkable service record working with firefighters based at the Buchloe station. When there are no emergencies to attend to, the Apollo 25.6 carries out heavy-lifting duties at the station, moving materials in the warehouses or participating in routine drills; but when the alarm sounds, it is ready to join in the relief efforts if called upon.
Since 2011, when it was purchased, our telehandler has been deployed in countless rescue operations of all kinds, thanks to its characteristic power and agility.
On more than one occasion our Apollo took advantage of its four-wheel drive and sealed cabin air filtration system, even passing through the curtain of smoke and flames to extinguish fires.
In altogether different circumstances (during the episodes of bad weather that plague Northern Europe), the Apollo Dieci has used its lifting capabilities to reach unsafe chimneys, damaged roofs and animals swept away by floodwater.
Very often it is used to clear traffic accident wreckage and remove dangerous oil and fuel spillages from road surfaces using specialist equipment. Judging by the photo, our vehicle looks to be in great shape, so we are sure that it will provide many more years of distinguished service!
