The Darien Foundation Gives Grant To FD For New 'Jaws Of Life' Tools

Information via The Darien Foundation

DARIEN, CT — Thanks to a grant from The Darien Foundation, the Darien Fire Department has purchased new, state-of-the-art "jaws of life" tools, which will be used to respond to serious car accidents and other emergencies.

The fire department received a $100,553 grant to purchase a full set of Homatro cutting tools, which emergency responders use to dismantle a car or other heavy machinery to access and remove injured individuals.

The purchase replaces a 20-plus-year-old set of gas-generated powered tools, which were cumbersome to operate.

According to a news release from the foundation, members from the DFD respond to approximately 650 emergency calls per year. The department is responsible for the busy stretch of Interstate-95 between exits 11 and 14.

In submitting their request for a grant, the DFD pointed out how serious accidents have become more common over the past two decades due to increased incidents of speeding and a greater number of tractor-trailers on the road.

"The number of major accidents we respond to on the I-95 corridor makes this equipment vital," said DFD Chief Brian Francefort in a news release. "Our firefighters will be able to access and extract accident victims more quickly, allowing for faster medical attention. The tools will also improve the safety and response of our DFD responders, who can operate more efficiently and spend less time exposed at an accident scene."

The Holmatro Pentheon Series tools boast innovative technology designed around integrated hydraulic pump technology.

“Stepless speed maximization” allows rescuers to optimize motor, pressure, and speed settings, enabling the tools to dismantle all types of vehicles, including more recent reinforced crash-resistant models which have posed a challenge to older extraction tools. The Holmatro tools even work underwater.

The tools are battery-operated, mounted to the fire engine, and kept continuously charged. If a power failure occurs, the tools can be connected to a direct line to the fire truck's internal generator.

"One of our mission goals is to stay ahead of the technology curve in order to best serve our community," said Dan Anderson, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DFD, in a news release. "We’re certain that this cutting-edge equipment will have a meaningful impact for years to come."

The DFD needed two new sets of these lifesaving mounted rescue tools. One set of tools was included as part of the Town of Darien’s replacement of the station’s Rescue 44 vehicle.

The Darien Foundation grant allows the department to replace the set on Engine 41 at the same time, giving firefighters the ability to dismantle both sides of a car at once and reduce extrication time by more than 50 percent as well as handle multiple accident scenes at once if the need arises.

“The Darien Foundation has long supported all three of our volunteer firehouses with grants,” said Sarah Woodberry, executive director of The Darien Foundation, in a news release. “We’re proud to fund technology that improves the working conditions for the men and women of the DFD, and we’re happy to come in alongside the Town on this important initiative.”

Recently, the foundation gave a grant to the Darien Police Department for technology upgrades to a police boat.

The Darien Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, has provided $431,500 in grants this year and nearly $6 million in total grants that benefit the community of Darien.