DEARBORN, Mich. – The Dearborn Fire Department on Dec. 9 demonstrated its powerful new “Jaws of Life” style equipment that can cut through the heavy steel of current-model vehicles to rescue accident victims.
The new equipment, made by Res Q Tec, was purchased through a $97,000 “Assistance to Firefighters” grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Dearborn firefighters use powerful new rescue equipment to dismantle a vehicle during a training exercise on Dec. 9. With nearly twice the strength of older Jaws of Life, the Res Q Tec is more effective in cutting through the stronger steel used in current model vehicles.
With nearly twice the strength of older Jaws of Life, the new Res Q Tec rescue equipment is more effective in cutting through the stronger steel used in current model vehicles.
Ford Motor Company donated 12 late-model cars and trucks to the Fire Department so that all 120 Dearborn firefighters can train using the new rescue equipment to dismantle vehicles with ultra strong steel.
During a demonstration of the new rescue equipment, Mayor O’Reilly said “We’re grateful to have pursued and received the FEMA grant to purchase this life-saving equipment. Dearborn is known for our high level of public safety, and one of the reasons is that we continually invest in training and updated technology. This Res Q Tec equipment enhances our firefighters’ ability to quickly reach people involved in vehicle accidents.”
He thanked Ford Motor Company for donating the vehicles used during the demonstration and said, “We’re pleased to continue the great partnership with Ford Motor Company. It’s in both of our best interests to work together to keep everyone safe by having our firefighters train on ‘real world’ vehicles.”
In the practice exercise, firefighters stabilized a 2009 Ford F150 and removed the air from its tires before using the Res Q Tec equipment to take off the vehicle’s doors, cut a flap in the roof, and then remove the roof entirely.
Responding to nearly 1,000 vehicle accidents every year, the Dearborn Fire Department has a “Best in Class” distinction for its average of four-minute response times.
The addition of the powerful Res Q Tec equipment is just one example of how the City of Dearborn is constantly investing in public safety by acquiring life-saving equipment, engaging in relevant training, and capitalizing on partnership opportunities like the one with Ford Motor Company.