The Elk Point Fire Department has added new life-saving rescue tools to its equipment lineup, replacing gear that had been in service for nearly 15 years.

On March 10, the department took delivery of new battery-powered Hurst Jaws of Life tools supplied by Rocky Mountain Phoenix.

The department said its previous hydraulic tools had reached the end of their service life and were becoming worn out.

The new equipment will give firefighters more flexibility during emergency responses, particularly during vehicle extrications.

Unlike the previous tools, which were limited by hydraulic hoses connected to the rescue truck, the battery-powered system allows firefighters to move more freely around crash scenes.

The department said the upgrade will help speed up extrication times and improve mobility when rescuing people trapped in vehicles.

 

Community support helped make purchase possible

Fire officials thanked the community for helping make the purchase possible through ongoing fundraising and donations.

“Without your support at fundraisers and events, this would not have been possible,” the department said.

The department also thanked both the Town of Elk Point and the County of St. Paul No. 19 for their continued support of local emergency services and ensuring firefighters have the equipment needed to respond safely.

 

 

Firefighters train with new equipment

Shortly after the tools arrived, firefighters began training with the new equipment.

Members of the department spent their Tuesday evening practising with the tools and refreshing their extrication skills to ensure they are ready to deploy the equipment during real emergencies.

The department said the training will help firefighters become familiar with the upgraded tools so they can use them efficiently when responding to collisions and other rescue situations.