Mariposa County Gets New Lifesaving Tools

Mariposa, CA – A hefty state grant brings lifesaving tools to the Mariposa County Fire Department, as every second counts in an emergency.

With an $80,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the department will purchase new extrication equipment, known as “combi-tools,” to rescue crash victims trapped inside vehicles. This equipment can reduce 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 OTS has noted that in 2022, over 55,000 crashes involved vehicle extrication, and delays in providing expedient care can significantly impact survival chances.

“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,” Mariposa County Fire Department Assistant Chief Steven Ward said. “These tools will significantly impact our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of crisis.”

According to federal data, 42% of people who were killed in car crashes were alive when first responders arrived. The new hydraulic rescue tools will be strategically placed on rescue vehicles across the county, allowing first responders to deliver life-saving measures for trapped patients, significantly increasing their chances of survival. The OTS grant was provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.