Spalding Volunteer Fire Department, Lookout Volunteer Fire Department awarded grant for new emergency response equipment
The Spalding Volunteer Fire Department and the Lookout Fire Volunteer Fire Department were awarded a $50,000.00grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for new extrication equipment. Known as the “jaws of life,” first responders use these specialized tools to reach crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.
So far this year, the Spalding Volunteer Fire and the Lookout Volunteer Fire departments have responded to eight crashes in which one required extrication.
“The faster we are able to reach someone who is injured, the faster we can get them the help they need,” said Lookout Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Allen Moore. “New extrication equipment allows us to do just that because they are lighter and easier to operate. It is absolutely critical for small rural departments to secure grant funding for specialized equipment needs. We are most grateful for OTS supporting our communities.”
“Emergency response is a critical ally for traffic safety,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “This much-needed funding provides first responders with the necessary tools to assist crash victims.”
Delays in extrication can negatively impact the patient’s critical “golden hour” of survival. The “golden hour” for Emergency Medical Services is the core principle of helping individuals with critical injuries: 1) get to the patient quickly, 2) treat what can be treated on scene, and 3) transfer the patient to a hospital. Anything that can be done to reduce each of these time periods aids in recovery and survival.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
