Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad now has two new rescue tools that will save precious minutes at a car accident scene when it is urgent to pry apart the wreckage in order to free people trapped inside.
Recently, the squad acquired the latest technology of the Jaws of Life cutting tool and a spreader. These battery electric hydraulics are smaller, lighter and stronger than the previous gas powered hydraulics. Most importantly, as they are battery operated and untethered from a power unit, rescuers can extricate trapped people faster. The tools also allow the volunteers to spend less time in confined places with victims, reducing their potential for exposure to COVID-19.
“When we arrive on a scene we can literally pull this equipment out and work on the vehicle instantly, as opposed the current technology of starting a gas motor to power the hydraulic system,” said Jim Cavuto, the township's rescue squad captain.
The squad has been practicing with the new rescue tools, which will be kept in the rescue rig. The tools cost $10,000 each and were purchased by the squad through community fundraisers.
"Our town is blessed to have a strong volunteer first responder force in First Aid and fire," said Township Committeeman Skip McKay, who is also a Hazlet First Aid volunteer. "The pandemic has not slowed our volunteers a moment."
McKay said that in addition to selflessly volunteering around the clock, the volunteers also run fundraisers for life-saving equipment to help anyone in town. He added, "Please be supportive of their fundraising efforts."