Oceanside’s Fire Department got a $70,000 boost this month for the purchase of new emergency response equipment.
The California Office of Traffic Safety awarded the grant, which will go toward new “jaws of life” extrication equipment to help rescue trapped crash victims from vehicles, the department announced Oct. 10.
“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,” Oceanside Fire Chief David Parsons said in a news release.
The state’s Office of Traffic Safety offers grants through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to agencies covering several needs, from emergency medical services and occupant protection to motorcycle safety and distracted-driving programs.
In announcing the grant and its use, the Fire Department cited recent statistics showing how often extrication equipment is used in rescuing trapped vehicle accident victims. The National Fire Incident Reporting System reported that more than 55,000 crashes across the U.S. involved vehicle extrication.
“These tools will significantly impact our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis,” Parsons said.
The department held an open house on Oct. 11 during Fire Prevention Week in conjunction with the grant’s announcement.
