Fire department receives $50,000 grant for emergency tools
‘These tools will significantly enhance our ability to protect and serve our community’ says fire chief
– Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services recently announced that it has received a $50,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to purchase new emergency response equipment known as the “jaws of life.” The specialized hydraulic rescue tools will assist first responders in safely rescuing crash victims trapped in vehicles.
“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,” Paso Robles Fire Chief Jonathan Stornetta said. “These tools will significantly enhance our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis.”
In 2022, over 55,000 crashes across the country required vehicle extrication, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Post-crash care plays a crucial role in preventing serious injuries from becoming fatal.
Delays in care impact survival rates, as reducing the time it takes to reach a patient, provide initial treatment, and transport them to a hospital can make the difference between life and death.
According to federal data, 42% of people who died in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived. The new “jaws of life” tools will help first responders deliver critical care to patients trapped in vehicles, potentially increasing their survival chances.
Funding for this program was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
