Buxton Mountain Rescue has strengthened its emergency response capability with the addition of a new MAN Truck & Bus TGE 4×4, supporting operations across severe terrain and challenging weather conditions.
The vehicle is based on a TGE 3.180 standard wheelbase panel van and is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel Euro 6 engine producing 177 PS and 410 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive system distributes torque to all wheels within milliseconds when traction is lost, making it suitable for off-road rescue work.
The TGE has been converted into a seven-seat emergency response vehicle by Minibus Options, based in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire. The conversion includes secure storage for rescue and first-aid equipment, stretcher accommodation, a removable table, emergency lighting and warning systems, an HD witness camera system, auxiliary heating and a digital mobile radio installation.
Ryan McCoy, Buxton Mountain Rescue, said: “Firstly, as a voluntary organisation, I’d like to thank the public for their generous donations. Without this generosity, the service we deliver simply wouldn’t offer the high level of support it does. In many cases, the assistance our team provides is a lifeline for injured and stranded walkers and climbers across the region.
“Our new MAN TGE is a real asset to our operation. Although we operate differently from, say, a parcel delivery company, we require a vehicle that is robust, trustworthy, efficient, and, above all, capable off-road because of the severity of our terrain. Our vehicles can be called upon around the clock, twenty-four seven, so they must be turnkey-ready at all times.”
McCoy added: “When responding to an emergency, it’s incredibly encouraging to know that our team members, who freely give their time and expertise, are surrounded by the TGE’s industry and class-leading active and passive safety features.
“Upon receiving an emergency call, it’s uncertain what to expect, for example, where people are, how many people are involved, whether there are injuries, what the weather is doing, what equipment is needed, and whether other emergency services are required, involved or needed. Because of this, we need a vehicle that can cover all bases, and with the MAN TGE 4×4, we have just that.”
Founded in 1964, Buxton Mountain Rescue now covers around 400 square miles across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire. The charity operates with more than 60 volunteers and responds to over 100 emergency callouts each year.
Matthew Jacob, senior bus & coach sales executive at MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “The team at Buxton Mountain Rescue knows what works for them, and with the assistance of Minibus Options, they have built a vehicle that is robust, capable, and able to handle the harsh conditions they work in.”
Fred James, sales director at Minibus Options, added: “From initial conversations, it was clear that to meet Buxton Mountain Rescue’s exacting brief, we would need to work closely with them at all stages of this special project. The resulting vehicle is now in service supporting their vital work.”
