A new on-call emergency vehicle in 30 days

By mid-January 2025, it had become clear that the on-call emergency vehicle operated by the BFW RUAG had suffered transmission damage. The repair costs were estimated at around CHF 10,000. Together with the Executive Board, the BFW Command decided to instead immediately procure a new on-call emergency vehicle. The replacement purchase would have otherwise been made in 2026 as previously planned. The purchase had to be quick. In fact, in the meantime the team transporter had been modified into a makeshift on-call emergency vehicle. However, the Mercedes Sprinter is not sufficiently fast or compact to quickly make it to its destination in the event of an emergency, then assess the location and coordinate deployment.

Within one week, the investment request in the amount of CHF 50,000 was submitted and approved by the Executive Board – the new on-call emergency vehicle could be purchased. However, the new SKODA Oktavia had to be modified and film-coated to render it suitable for use as an emergency vehicle. This included the installation of the blue light on the roof, the siren, and the control panel for special signals. This work generally requires several months. 

However, with the help of our colleagues from fire departments within and outside of the canton, a suitable partner was quickly found. Tagzone Construction & Design GmbH is a St. Gallen-based company that offers custom vehicles, film coatings and lighting systems. They executed the order quickly and competently on behalf of the FBW. Therefore, by as early as February 28, the new on-call emergency vehicle was ready for collection by the BFW.

The RUAG Emmen company fire service would like to take this opportunity to thank the RUAG Executive Board for its support, and Tagzone for the execution of the order and the successful collaboration.