Dunsmuir, Calif. – Dunsmuir Fire Department is the recipient of a $150,000 grant to purchase new extrication equipment. Known as the “jaws of life,” first responders use these specialized tools to safely rescue crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.
“This new equipment will help reduce the time it takes for us to safely reach someone who needs immediate medical attention,” said Dunsmuir Fire Department Fire Chief Daniel Padilla . “The OTS grant funding will give us the opportunity to purchase modern rescue tools and provide training to first responders that is critical for the care of those injured in crashes.” In 2021 fire departments in Northern Shasta and Southern Siskiyou Counties, responded to 313 traffic crashes in which 38 required extrications.
Delays in providing care to crash victims impacts the “golden hour” of survival, a core principle in the emergency medical services industry. Reducing the time, it takes to get to the patient, treat what can be treated, and transport the patient to the hospital helps increase the chance for recovery.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
