Xàbia Upgrades Civil Protection Safety Gear with New High-Performance PPE
The town hall strengthens volunteer protection with 30 new AK-RESCUE suits and prepares the next step in its emergency modernization plan.
The Department of Security and Emergencies in Xàbia has taken a decisive step in modernizing local safety resources with the acquisition of 30 new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) units for Xàbia’s volunteer Protección Civil group.
The new equipment, the AK-RESCUE technical suit consisting of a jacket and trousers, represents a significant improvement in the safety of volunteers during their operations. It is state-of-the-art gear designed to provide maximum protection in demanding situations.
The new PPE strictly complies with the specifications of the EPI Regulation 2016/425, ensuring comprehensive protection across a range of critical scenarios. It is certified for thermal risk in wildfire suppression, engineered for technical rescue and situations involving direct exposure to flames and heat, and designed with high-visibility reflective materials that enhance operational safety in low-light conditions.
This acquisition replaces previous equipment that was more than eight years old and had suffered significant wear due to its intensive use during emergency responses.
The investment forms part of a continuous improvement plan launched by the department. Following the recent addition of a specially outfitted vehicle equipped with the latest technology, the priority was to renew the volunteers’ personal protection gear, considered an essential and mandatory tool for their work.
In addition, the department has confirmed that work is already underway on the next step: the acquisition of a new multifunctional rapid-response vehicle.
The responsible councillor, Juan Ortolá (CpJ), highlighted the human value of the volunteer group and the responsibility of the council to support them. “The town hall must stand alongside the volunteers and provide them with all the tools they need to carry out their work, which is so valuable in the most difficult moments for protecting the public. It is the least we can do as those leading the local council,” Ortolá said.
