HUMBSAR has introduced a dedicated HUMBSAR welfare van to support search and rescue operations across the Humberside area. Named SARAH, which stands for Search and Rescue Around Humberside, the vehicle will help volunteers carry essential equipment, provide welfare support and maintain safer operations during long and demanding searches.
A New Role for SARAH
HUMBSAR is proud to unveil SARAH, a new Equipment and Welfare Van that has been repurposed to support volunteer search and rescue teams across the region.
The vehicle provides much more than extra storage. It gives HUMBSAR volunteers a practical base for specialist equipment, personal protective equipment, consumables and welfare supplies needed during operational deployments.
SARAH will support teams working in challenging rural environments, where access to equipment, refreshments and rest points can make a real difference.
From Emergency Response Vehicle to HUMBSAR Welfare Van
SARAH has already had a long and useful service life.
The vehicle was originally built to support the Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team, also known as HART. In that role, it carried specialist protective equipment for complex and high-risk incidents.
After being retired from that service, the vehicle was passed to HFR Solutions and later donated to the Local Resilience Forum as a Flood Response Vehicle.
Although it was never deployed in that capacity, HUMBSAR has now given the vehicle a clear and valuable new purpose.
Supporting Search and Rescue Volunteers
As a volunteer-led organisation operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, HUMBSAR depends on reliable equipment and strong operational support.
The HUMBSAR welfare van carries key items needed during search activity, including:
- Specialist PPE
- Search equipment
- Operational consumables
- Food and water
- Hot drinks and welfare supplies
This support is especially important during long searches, poor weather conditions or incidents where volunteers may be deployed for extended periods.
By helping volunteers stay equipped, warm, hydrated and supported, SARAH strengthens both operational capability and team wellbeing.
SARAH’s First Deployment
SARAH made its debut during a recent Search Technicians’ Course, where it supported a live missing person search exercise.
During the exercise, HUMBSAR volunteer Rachel Harke gave the vehicle its name. SARAH now stands as a practical and visible part of the team’s growing capability.
The vehicle will be seen across the region as HUMBSAR continues to support Humberside Police and local communities during search and rescue operations.
Built on Partnership, Driven by Purpose
HUMBSAR is built on partnership, driven by purpose.
The introduction of SARAH marks another important step in the development of HUMBSAR’s response capability. It shows how existing resources can be reimagined and repurposed to deliver meaningful support to frontline volunteers and the communities they serve.
HUMBSAR remains committed to improving its operational response, supporting Humberside Police and helping protect people across the Humberside area.
Get Involved with HUMBSAR
HUMBSAR is always looking for people who want to make a difference.
If you would like to join a volunteer team supporting life-saving search and rescue activity across your community, you can apply using the application form below.
Application form available here.
For more information about HUMBSAR, visit the HUMBSAR webpage here.
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