Calif. firefighters get new rescue equipment through grant

The Orange County Register

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — New equipment just purchased with a state grant will help firefighters speed up their response to major traffic crashes throughout the county, authorities said.

The Orange County Fire Authority purchased nine power units for use with hydraulic rescue equipment such as the Jaws of Life.

The units will enable firefighters with the OCFA and the Laguna Beach Fire Department to shave off the time it takes to switch from one hydraulic tool to the next when cutting through the wreck of a car crash, said Capt. Greg McKeown of the OCFA.

The equipment was purchased with a $152,257 grant from the Office of Traffic Safety.

This year, OCFA firefighters have responded to about 190 calls of vehicle crashes where they had to use heavy equipment to cut through the mangled wreck of a car, McKeown said.

"I know in the last few days, in this rain, we've had an increase in the number because of the driving conditions," he said.

The new units allow firefighters to work with multiple tools simultaneously, instead of having to wait to shut down the hydraulic power supply before switching to another tool.

"Before, if we had to cut, we could only use one tool at a time," McKeown said. "It helps to be able to cut the car quicker, faster."

The new tools help shave off seconds when switching tools.

Copyright 2010 Orange County Register
All Rights Reserved