International rescue… via Devon

Drivers on Devon's A30 will be in for an unusual sight this Sunday afternoon, as a slow-moving convoy of specially converted emergency vehicles crosses the county, en route to war-torn Kosova.
The five vehicles making the 1850 -mile, one-way trip are themselves a donation from Rotarians in Cornwall, Plymouth and West Devon, supported by Cornish Mutual and the Cornwall County Fire Brigade in Liskeard. They include:

• A police car, converted into a fast-response paramedic vehicle


• A former St John's Ambulance, converted into a mobile doctor's surgery


• An ex-service fire engine


• A transit van, now a fire incident support vehicle


• A heavy goods truck, packed with essential medical supplies

Their destination is Gjakova – the aptly-named “City of Blood” – which suffered significant loss of life and large-scale human rights abuses under Slobodan Milosevic, and formed a major part of his indictment for war crimes.
Today, four out of five residents there are unemployed, and the newest fire engine serving the city and 84 surrounding villages is 32 years old with only one working pump. It is hoped the donated vehicles will transform access to emergency and primary care services in the deprived and troubled area.
It will be the fifth time that the organisers – Rotary International district 1290 Overseas Project Team – have made a charitable delivery to Kosova since the war. However, the risks of taking such high-profile vehicles through up to nine countries are considerable, and this particular form of donation was only made possible when long-term supporter Cornish Mutual offered to insure the trip, free of charge.
Managing Director Alan Goddard explains: “This important mercy mission will undoubtedly save many lives, and Cornish Mutual is proud to be able to help once again. Our Members, who live in rural communities throughout the South West, know all about the importance of a fast emergency response in isolated areas, and I feel sure they will join me in wishing the team every success.”
The convoy will travel through Devon along the A30, passing Okehampton at around Noon, Exeter at approximately 12.30, and Honiton at about 1pm.
Alan Goddard concludes: “The vehicles have a long way to go, and will be maintaining a fairly moderate pace to keep the convoy together. Obviously, this and the unusual sight may cause a little disruption to the traffic, but we hope that Devon's drivers will enter the spirit of things, show a little patience, and even enjoy the opportunity to see such rare and valuable vehicles on their local roads.”