Truckman

South Staffordshire First Responders (SSFR) have been given a helping hand by Truckman, which has supplied its DECKED storage solution to ensure its volunteers can quickly access potentially life-saving equipment from its pick-up truck.

The bestselling pull-out drawer storage system has been fitted to the Community First Responders’ (CFR’s) recently donated Mercedes X-class pick-up truck, which is deployed to calls across the South Staffordshire area including Codsall, Perton, Pattingham, Wombourne, Kinver and all the surrounding villages.

CFRs are groups of volunteers trained to a nationally recognised level by West Midlands Ambulance Service and respond to 999 calls in their local communities. They can be vital in reaching those people suffering from medical emergencies fast, particularly in remote rural communities, prior to the arrival of the nearest available ambulance resource.

CFRs can be requested to attend to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests, diabetic emergencies, strokes, falls, and breathing problems. In many illnesses or injuries, the first few minutes are critical and simple interventions can be performed in order to save lives or prevent disability.

As a result, the need to access equipment when arriving at an emergency is essential. SSFR’s pick-up truck, which was provided by DPD and The National Lottery Community Fund and already features a Truckman Grand hardtop, offers extensive secure storage capabilities, but with the addition of DECKED the CFRs are able to access medical equipment and supplies quickly and efficiently.

Dudley-based Truckman, which has provided the storage solution to SSFR through its ‘Blue Light Discount Scheme’, is the UK’s only stockist of DECKED. Originally developed in the US, DECKED fits seamlessly into the truck bed and offers easy access to equipment from two secure, full-length roll-out drawers whilst still allowing full use of the truck bed.

Each drawer, which can carry equipment up to 90kg, opens at waist height for quick and comfortable access. Further storage capacity is provided by two integrated storage bins that can be accessed through the deck to hold smaller items.

DECKED also creates a raised deck with a galvanised steel sub-frame within the truck bed, which has a 1-tonne load rating and can also work alongside Truckman's range of hardtops to provide additional protection and security.

Matt Jevons, Founding Trustee of SSFR, said: “The charity is 100% reliant on donations and grants to keep our vehicles on the road, this includes purchasing and maintaining both of our response vehicles and buying uniform. The very generous support from Truckman has enabled us to fully utilise our new responder vehicle, and the donation and support received from them allows us to direct current reserves to aid our life-saving capabilities.

“The DECKED system will be really helpful and sometimes vital in terms of how quicky we can act when we arrive at an incident. The pick-up truck’s extensive storage is great, but means we had to climb into the back to retrieve equipment. With DECKED, we can simply pull out the drawers and get our hands on what we need immediately.”

Mike Wheeler, Executive Chairman of Truckman, said: “The service provided by CFRs and the dedication of the volunteers is truly admirable. Their rapid response and actions can be the difference between life and death. We are very proud to support their work with the provision of DECKED, which enhances the storage capabilities of their pick-up and will give their response times the marginal gains that can be so important in emergency situations.”

-ENDS-

Media Contacts:

Truckman: Jamie Collis: 01325 363 436

Notes to Editors:

Truckman is one of the UK’s leading specialist suppliers of 4x4 hardtops and accessories, and has a wealth of market and technical knowledge. Since 2002, its mission is to develop a position as the fastest growing UK quality supplier of after-market 4x4, Pick up & SUV accessories.

Truckman operates in the UK and across Europe stocking products that meet stringent quality requirements.

The company manufactures the renowned Truckman range of hard tops for pick-up and open top 4x4 vehicles.

For more information, please visit: http://www.truckman.co.uk.