MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Marysville Fire Department was awarded a Regional $86,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for new extrication equipment. Known as the “jaws of life,” first responders use these specialized tools to reach crash victims trapped inside a vehicle. The grant will support equipment for the Loma Rica and Marysville Fire Department.

So far this year, Marysville Fire Department has responded to 136 crashes in which 9 required extrication.

“The faster we are able to reach someone who is injured, the faster we can get them the help they need,” said Marysville Fire Department, Fire Chief, Ron Karlen. “New extrication equipment allows us to do just that because they are lighter and easier to operate.”

“Emergency response is a critical ally for traffic safety,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “This much-needed funding provides first responders with the necessary tools to assist crash victims.”

Delays in extrication can negatively impact the patient’s critical “golden hour” of survival. The “golden hour” for Emergency Medical Services is the core principle of helping individuals with critical injuries: 1) get to the patient quickly, 2) treat what can be treated on scene, and 3) transfer the patient to a hospital. Anything that can be done to reduce each of these time periods aids in recovery and survival.

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