LUCERNE, Calif. — The Northshore Fire Protection District has received a $160,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to purchase new life-saving equipment.

The specialized safety tool, known as the “jaws of life,” is used by first responders to safely rescue 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,” District Fire Chief Shannon Banks said. “These tools will significantly impact our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis.”

The Office of Traffic Safety told Lake County News that the grant to Northshore Fire was part of nearly $3 million that it provided to 35 fire departments statewide to support first responders in helping to treat crash victims faster.

Northshore Fire is one of the largest fire districts in California, covering 350 square miles. 

Post-crash care is vital in preventing serious injuries from turning deadly. Delays in providing expedient care impact 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% of people who were killed in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived. 

New “jaws of life” hydraulic rescue tools will help first responders deliver life-saving measures for patients trapped in vehicles, significantly increasing chances of survival.

OTS said many rural districts have older tools that take longer to set up and operate compared to the newer equipment available.

“The faster they can set up and use the appropriate extrication equipment at the scene of a crash, the quicker they can reach and treat a crash victim,” the agency told Lake County News.

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

OTS said its awards grants based on identifiable traffic safety problems, proposed strategies to improve the safety of roads, as well as proven measures taken to reduce traffic deaths and injuries.