What is 4x4 Response?
Cumbria 4x4 Response is part of 4x4 Response UK, A network of over 30 regional groups who exist to provide specialist all-terrain logistical support to the Emergency Services, Local Authorities, NHS and other charitable and voluntary organisations across the UK.
Our trained and experienced volunteers give their time and use of their own four-wheel drive vehicles to transport equipment or personnel when weather conditions make driving hazardous, where access is difficult owing to rough terrain or when normal logistical plans are overstretched.
When a major incident happens, the greatest challenge can be getting personnel or equipment to the scene owing to a lack of suitable vehicles or trained drivers, or where aircraft are unable to operate or land. We can provide that support to facilitate operations in the acute or recovery phases. We are available around the clock, every day of the year.
During larger or protracted incidents, groups are able to call on Mutual Support from a pool of over 1800 members nationwide to ensure round-the-clock coverage is available in sufficient numbers.
What can we assist with?
Cumbria 4x4 Response can provide a range of support services. Our primary role is of transportation, either carrying passengers or cargo through varied and often extreme conditions or terrain. Towing capabilities of up to 3.5t for support trailers, incident units or other specialist resources are also normally available. Volunteers’ vehicles are readily identifiable with relevant markings.
In addition to our core transportation role, we have the ability to support other activities such as manning road closures or cordons, or providing able-bodies to assist with evacuations or operational coordination hubs.
Examples of incidents where 4x4 Response UK have assisted on previous occasions:
- Taking District Nurses, Out of Hours Doctors, Nurses etc. on their daily rounds during periods of severe weather.
- Transfer of passengers evacuated from a stranded train in a remote location to alternative transport.
- Transport of emergency supplies to drivers stranded on a Motorway for a prolonged period in extreme weather (heat or cold). This can also extend to evacuation and recovery.
- Delivery of essential supplies to vulnerable householders following interruption of supply.
- Transport of FRS personnel and equipment to locations inaccessible to appliances.
- Transport of equipment and people in areas subject to severe weather to establish reception centres.
- Maintaining access for residents and transporting essential supplies during major regional flooding.
- Enabling the continued provision of Police patrols and responses.
- Support of local Search & Rescue teams and other Charitable and Voluntary Organisations.
- Transportation of essential NHS Staff to and from work to ensure a minimum level of staffing.
- Assistance with general tasks not requiring specialist skills, but where a coordinated approach is essential
How to call us out?
We do not deploy to requests for help from individuals. We are only able to be tasked by organisations recognised as Category 1 or Category 2 responders as defined under the Civil Contingencies Act, or other organisations or charities operating on their behalf.
If your organisation feels that you might need our support, feel free to get in touch via email.
