New equipment to aid in rescues

-- Torus Tammer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- The Fire Department received a new Holmatro Vehicle

Extrication Rescue System, with funding provided by a $33,833 grant from

the California Office of Traffic and Safety.

Fountain Valley Fire Chief Bernard Heimos said the new equipment will

be replacing the department’s old “Jaws of Life” equipment.

“It has twice the cutting and spreading capacity of the previous

technology and it’s lighter and more maneuverable than the previous one,”

Heimos said. “We probably use it once every couple of weeks. For any type

of forced entry, there’s a potential application.”

The Fire Department estimates that because of this new device, victims

trapped in traffic collisions be rescued up to 40% quicker.

The city’s fire personnel has completed training, and the new

equipment will be placed on the ladder truck for future service.