Willow Oak Fire Protection District in California has announced that it has received an $80,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to purchase new extrication equipment.
Known as the “jaws of life,” first responders use these specialized tools to safely rescue crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.
Willow Oak Fire Protection District Fire Chief Marcus Klinkhammer explained: “We are incredibly grateful for this grant, which will allow us to purchase state-of-the-art rescue tools and provide training to first responders that is critical for the care of people injured in crashes.
“These tools will significantly impact our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis.”
Post-crash care is vital in preventing serious injuries from turning deadly.
Delays in providing expedient care impact survival chances.
Reducing the time it takes to get to the patient, treating what can be treated and transporting the patient to the hospital can be the difference between life and death.
According to federal data, 42% of people who were killed in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived.
New “jaws of life” hydraulic rescue tools will help first responders deliver life-saving measures for patients trapped in vehicles, significantly increasing chances of survival.
According to an OTS press release, funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Willow Oak Fire Protection District in California has announced that it has received an $80,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to purchase new extrication equipment.
