Santa Barbara County Fire has received a $157,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to purchase three complete sets of new battery powered-extrication equipment to benefit fire stations 21, 26 and 31.

The equipment is also known as the “jaws of life,” and first responders use these specialized tools to safely rescue crash victims trapped inside a vehicle.

“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,” said Battalion Chief Adam Estabrook.

“These tools will greatly enhance our ability to protect and serve the community, strengthening our response capabilities when they matter most,” Estabrook said.

Post-crash care is vital in preventing serious injuries from turning deadly, County Fire officials said. Delays in providing expedient care impacts survival chances.

“Reducing the time it takes to get to the patient, treating what can be treated, and transporting the patient to the hospital can be the difference between life and death,” the department reports.

According to federal data, 42% of people who were killed in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived.

New “jaws of life” battery powered-rescue tools will help first responders deliver life-saving measures for patients trapped in vehicles, significantly increasing chances of survival, the department said.

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