Marin County Fire Gets Grant For 'Jaws Of Life'

MARIN COUNTY CA — The Marin County Fire Department will be able to purchase new extrication equipment thanks to a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The equipment, known as the "jaws of life," is used to rescue crash victims. First responders use the tools to break apart a wrecked vehicle with victims trapped inside. The tools help reduce the time it takes to rescue and treat crash victims.

The $80,000 grant will be part of a $190,000 package to purchase five extrication devices that will be deployed to crews in West Marin. The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase and accepted the grant on Sept. 24.

So far this year, Marin County Fire has responded to 201 crashes in which 28 required extrication.

"This newer equipment is 50 percent lighter, safer, with better ergonomic design, and is capable of extricating patients from advanced high technology vehicles," Battalion Chief Bret McTigue said.

"This allows us to rescue victims faster, which ultimately increases their chances of survival. In many cases, even minutes without treatment can be a matter of life and death, which is why it is important to have reliable equipment that allows first responders to provide care as quickly as possible."

Funding for the state grant program was provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.