UNION - In crisis, every minute matters. For years, Union Township firefighters relied on bulky extrication tools, commonly referred to as the "Jaws of Life," to wrench through cars and rescue victims trapped inside. The tools worked - but its sheer weight inhibited speed.
And as cars modernized and were built with high-strength boron-infused steel, older excavation tools became more antiquated.
Union Township firefighters revealed on Monday their newest prized possession: A lighter, faster extrication tool 30 percent lighter than older models and three times as strong.
"It's great to use," said firefighter Paulo Lopes. "It's light. It's fast. The spreaders open quickly. They close faster so you can cut and move onto the next cut a lot faster."
Lopes then proved his point.
In 17 minutes, the firefighters tore apart a car donated by chemical company BASF for the purpose of demonstration. By the end, shards of glass littered the ground surrounding the dusty orange hatchback, and its doors lay around the periphery. The smell of gasoline lingered in the air.
"New vehicle technology is a big challenge for us," said Lt. Anthony Schmidtberg.
Even with the newer extrication technology, Schmidtberg said tearing into a car requires a certain level of precision. Carelessness can trigger explosions in hoods and trunks.
The department paid $250,000 to buy 78 pieces of equipment, including hoses and storage bags, said fire chief Thomas Byrne. Officials will pay back the $250,000 to the equipment company, ESI, over a period of two years with no interest.