Hughson Fire Protection District (HPFD) announced late last month that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to purchase new extrication equipment.

The grant allows the HFPD to acquire two extrication tools for each of our type one engines that provide spreading and cutting capabilities. These two new specialty tools will complement our current extrication tools by providing additional and quicker options for Hughson first responders to use in a safe manor, and to accelerate the rescue of crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.

“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,” said Hughson Fire Protection District, Assistant Fire Chief, Randall Kelley. “These tools will significantly impact our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis.”

Post-crash care is vital in preventing serious injuries from turning deadly. Delays in providing expedient care impacts survival chances. Reducing the time it takes to get to the patient, treating what can be treated, and transporting the patient to the hospital can be the difference between life and death.

According to federal data, 42 percent of occupants in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived. New “jaws of life” hydraulic rescue tools help first responders deliver life-saving measures for patients trapped in vehicles, significantly increasing chances of survival.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.