Ogura Firefighting Ram Jack  (1)

Extrication is an extremely complex discipline which requires a high level of skill, knowledge and understanding in order to ensure a safe and successful outcome. In the past 25 years, the demands on the rescuer and the expectations placed upon them has changed beyond all recognition. While basic extrication techniques haven’t massively changed, rescuers have had to refine their skills to face up to the newer, more challenging situations as the materials and technologies used in vehicles and buildings become more complex and robust. The role of the rescuer has also had to expand, and as a consequence the use of hydraulic rescue equipment has broadened. Personal Protective Equipment The use of hydraulics to cut, spread, squeeze or lift is now also well established in disciplines such as urban search and rescue, mine rescue and specialist operations within the Special Forces around the world. For this reason, some of the most popular rescue tools have migrated into this field of operations and likewise some specialist equipment that has been designed for niche markets is now used routinely by rescuers worldwide. Ogura has a long history of developing extremely reliable and hard working hydraulic tools for the construction The ever changing role of extrication tools to assist rescues from commercial or small spaces, firefighting, and vehicle extrication of crash victims is well recognized by Vimpex, the UK’s renowned specialist supplier of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Equipment, Technical Rescue products and Lighting and Power Solutions to the Paramedic, Rescue, Police, Military and associated markets. emergency services market Ogura was one of the first manufacturer in the world to develop a full range of truly portable, lightweight, battery-powered hydraulic cutting, spreading and lifting tools. They are field-proven across the world and are used by search & rescue teams, police and military for a wide range of applications where portability, access and speed of deployment are vital. Established in 1928 as a manufacturer of industrial products, Ogura has a long history of developing extremely reliable and hard working hydraulic tools for the construction, fabrication and metal working industry. In 1999, Ogura applied their knowledge of industrial hydraulics to the rescue and emergency services market to produce the first generation HRS Modular System. Heavy Rescue tools and equipment The range has now matured into an extensive series of tools including Forced Entry (MOE), Vehicle & Confined Space Extrication, Urban Search and Rescue, Vehicle Self-Rescue, Remote Decommissioning, Protestor Release, Aerial Response, Rapid Response RTC Vehicles. Paratech’s Multiforce lifting bags are used by Fire & Rescue Services across the UK for lifting dangerous loads From vehicle lifting and stabilization to whole building shoring, Paratech products outperform competitors’ offerings when measured on ease of use, durability, flexibility and a lifetime guarantee. Paratech specializes in tools for technical rescue, but has also developed products that are used in applications for shipboard damage control, pipeline, mining, rail, quarries, vehicle maintenance and recovery. building infrastructure system Paratech’s Multiforce lifting bags are used by Fire & Rescue Services across the UK for lifting dangerous loads. Smart design ensures that this system can get into the tightest spaces, while the innovative remote lifting base allows personnel to operate the device at a safe distance from the load. Established in 1994, Vimpex produces and distributes a range of high quality evacuation, signaling and building infrastructure system products - both Vimpex manufactured and supplied by the company’s manufacturing partners. The company is a trusted supplier to many public sector bodies including 15 of the 17 UK’s NHS Ambulance Trusts, UK Fire & Rescue and several Police Constabularies. Vimpex staff are trained in the demonstration, service and repair of all tools and equipment we sell. The company is the European warranty repair and service agent for all Ogura rescue and industrial tools.

Vimpex supplied Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service with equipment and resources during training Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has been crowned World Extrication Champions at the world’s biggest rescue challenge competition. The 16th World Rescue Challenge, which was hosted by The Fire Service College in Gloucestershire, saw teams taking part in a number of multi-vehicle road traffic collision scenarios where casualties needed rescuing - some of which had deteriorating conditions. They also had to show experience of using all types of rescue equipment used in extrications. Vimpex, the specialist supplier of emergency services equipment for 20 years, are delighted once again to have supported the world champions with supply of equipment and resources during training and the event itself. The team used the popular Pacific A7A helmet and Vimpex extrication gloves as well as Makita rescue tools - all supplied by Vimpex. Hampshire’s Extrication Team Leader Lee Havey, who took the title of Best Overall World Extrication Team Leader, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to take away the winner's title from the World Extrication Challenge. We are very confident in our firefighters’ abilities when they attend road traffic collisions and now that we have been crowned world champions, it just shows that what we do, we do very well.” Vimpex has worked with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for several years; supplying their innovative USAR team with the Ogura battery powered hydraulic rescue tools as well as supporting their various extrication teams - who are current UK champions and have previously held the winner’s trophy at the World and European championships during the team's 28 year history.  Vimpex’s established portfolio of products and equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers includes Paratech’s range of stabilisation, air lifting and forcible entry kit; FX-1 Max firefighting gloves; TNT hydraulic rescue tools; Ogura battery powered hydraulics; Pacific paramedic, rescue & firefighting helmets and ISG thermal imaging cameras.