The Susanville Fire Department has secured a significant boost to its emergency response capabilities thanks to a $40,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety. The funding is designated for the purchase of modern extrication equipment, commonly known as the “Jaws of Life,” which will aid in rescuing victims trapped in vehicles after collisions.
Department officials expressed deep gratitude for the award, noting that the new state-of-the-art rescue tools will play a pivotal role in protecting the community. According to the department, this upgrade will allow crews to respond more effectively during crises and provide critical training for first responders regarding the care of those injured in crashes.
The acquisition of these hydraulic rescue tools addresses a crucial component of emergency medicine: post-crash care. Expedient extraction and treatment are often the deciding factors between life and death according to the agency. Federal data highlights the urgency of these situations, revealing that approximately 42 percent of individuals killed in car crashes were still alive when first responders arrived on the scene.
By reducing the time required to reach a patient and begin treatment, the department aims to significantly increase survival chances for those involved in severe accidents. The new equipment will help first responders deliver life-saving measures more rapidly to patients trapped inside wrecked vehicles.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
