Fire Department Adds Powerful New Rescue Tools to Its Arsenal

Soon helping people trapped in cars will be much safer for the victim's--and the rescuers.

Last week the Twinsburg Fire Department got approval from city council to purchase four high-tech rescue tools for $48,200.

The department has traded in some of its old pieces for the new Genesis Resucue Tools, buying four items that will make pulling people out of cars much easier.

"You can get your victim out faster and it's safer for all of us," said Caption Steve Bosso, who has been researching this type of purchase for five years.

The four tools will be divvied up between Stations 1 and 2. The purchase includes a main tool for cutting and spreading, a combination tool for cutting and spreading, a battery-operated tool and a ram to spread dash boards.

What sets these apart from the typical "jaws of life" are two innovative functions: A push control button and "D-Ring" handle.

The push control button enables rescuers to operate the device using any finger, not just the thumb. In a memo to city officials, Bosso said it "gives the operator a better range of reach."

The "D-Ring" handle is what keeps rescuers most safe. Bosso said in some situations the current tools will move and twist the operator in different directions, causing injury. This new technology rotates the tool instead of the person using it.

"We're excited about it," Bosso said. "Each shift will get a day of all-day training with newer cars and especially hybrids, which are built differently than most cars."

In most situations a purchase like this would take longer because it requires going to bid. However, because Howell Rescue Systems, where it is purchased from, is the sole supplier in Ohio, it does not need a competitive bid and can be purchased outright.

The department had $82,000 budgeted for this purchase in 2013, but traded in it's current tools saving around $30,000.