Navman GPS units recently installed in St John emergency vehicles have proved invaluable for ambulance officers who have travelled to earthquake-stricken Christchurch to help their Canterbury colleagues.

Freemasons donated the Navman GPS units to St John for all 500 ambulances and 100 support vehicles around the country and they were installed from January this year.

Over 100 ambulance officers from around the country are working in Christchurch supporting local crews. The GPS units are proving to be extremely useful in helping them move quickly around the city, responding to emergencies in the fastest possible time.

The GPS units used NZ Automobile Association data and could identify roads congested or under repair and could work out the quickest route.

While the units are proving to be a valuable resource, St John mechanics continue to pay close attention to the functioning of ambulances. With increasing levels of dust and badly damaged roads, there is a need to continually monitor air filters and suspension, ensuring the vehicles are fully functional.

Two St John mechanics from Auckland have flown into Christchurch to support their colleagues.

Meanwhile St John continues to rotate ambulance officers in and out of Christchurch to support the needs of the emergency in Canterbury.

ENDS

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