When we think of an airboat, we typically think of a wonderfully-guided tour through the Everglades where we participate in spotting and identifying native Florida wildlife. However, this versatile vehicle can be used for much more than just entertaining and exciting wildlife lovers. Gone are the days of using an airboat for the sole purpose of guided airboat tours; now we enter a realm where we use this amphibious vehicle to save lives and put out fires--literally.
For the past few years, airboats have being designed with full fire-fighting, EMS, and rescue capabilities. Due to their versatile nature, it’s only natural to use this vehicle to save lives, as it can adapt to almost any situation. These vehicles have been described as the Swiss Army Knives of emergency vehicles, housing a multitude of capabilities in a manageable scale. Some of the components and amenities of these vehicles include a water pump system, a 420 HP turbine engine, and an electronic control system, all within a trailer-legal hull.
This innovation has helped emergency services of all kinds. Even the Broward Sheriff's Office currently uses an airboat for their Everglades-emergency services. The Sheriff's Office reported that within their first week of use, a team of rescuers effectively responded to a helicopter crash in which one victim was seriously injured. Now, the Broward Sheriff's Office uses their airboat-emergency vehicle for rescue missions of all shapes and sizes.
During any rescue mission, personal safety and time are of the utmost importance. These boats are capable of functioning on land, water, and even ice. The next time you’re exploring on one of Wild Florida’s airboat tours, just think of how versatile and incredible this innovation is. Contact Wild Florida today for additional information on one of our airboat tours.
How else do you think an airboat can be used? Get creative and tell us about your innovative ideas for an airboat--your idea could change the future of airboat ingenuity and technology.
