Sni Valley Fire recently purchased a multi-use rescue strut system from Paratech with funds received from a Fire Act Grant. Paratech Rescue Struts can be used in many configurations making them very useful on emergency scenes. With storage on fire apparatus at a premium, having a strut system that “multi-tasks” reduces storage requirements.

Rescue Struts Multi-Function Use:

- Vehicle stabilization
- Elevator support unit
- Trench Rescue
- Structure collapse

Rescue Strut Features:

- Set up is fast and easy
- Strength and durability
- Hard anodized aluminum
- Easy to maintain
- Easy to use adjustable collar
- Snap in locking struts
- Simple to operate

All Paratech struts can be extended manually or with air pressure.
The Paratech Rescue Struts allow fire department rescue teams the ability to support anything from rolled over vehicles to locomotives.

Champion Rescue Tools

Sni Valley Fire recently took possession and placed in service a second set of Champion rescue tools commonly referred to as the "Jaws of Life".  This will allow the District to place identical equipment on both of the Engines.  These tools were purchased from the funds awarded to the District from the 2008 Fire-Act Grant.

During emergencies, when a few wasted seconds can cost lives, the "Jaws of Life" or hydraulic rescue tools are brought in to  pry open accident vehicles and allow rescue workers to remove trapped victims from the wreckage.  We often read about rescues that used the "Jaws of Life". What is it?  How does it work?

"Jaws of Life" is not "a" tool -- but refers to several types of piston-rod hydraulic tools known as cutters, spreaders and rams, which are used by trained rescuers working as a team.

The spreader is used to pull pieces of the structure apart, or it can be inserted into the side of the vehicle to tear a section out. The cutter is used to cut through the vehicle like a pair of giant bolt cutters.

The ram's function is to push apart sections of the car (or other structure). For instance, a rescue worker can place a ram on the door frame and extend the piston to push the dashboard up, creating enough space to free a crash victim.

A typical "Jaws of Life" machine uses about 1 quart of hydraulic fluid. A portable engine pumps pressurized hydraulic fluid into the piston cylinder through one of two hose ports.  An operator switch controls which port the fluid enters through. If it enters one port, the fluid forces the rod up and opens the arms of the spreader or blades of the cutter. The operator can then toggle the switch and cause the rod to retract, closing the arms or blades

The "Jaws of Life" is actually a brand of tools that is trademarked by the Hurst Jaws of Life company, but the name is often used when talking about other brands of rescue systems.

Three new personnel to serve you.

Sni Valley Fire Protection District was recently awarded a SAFER grant.  This grant allows us to add three additional personal, one to each shift.  The grant covers 90% of their salaries for the first year and then it decreases to zero over five years.  In return Sni Valley Fire is required to cover the remaining portion of their salaries over that five year period.  Sni Valley Fire is then required to assume 100% of the cost of these employees. This will allow us to better staff our first out apparatus.

Two New Brush Fire Skid Unit Are Now In Service

Sni Valley Fire recently took delivery of two new slip-in brush skid units.  These units replace two aging units.  The water tank is a 300 gallon tank with a 10 gallon foam cell. The skid unit was mounted on a framework to supply storage for long handled tools underneath with rear access. The pump is an 18hp pump and is also supplied with a foam inductor system. The pump supplies a booster reel at the top of the water tank, one pre-connect discharges, one (1) 1-1/2” rear discharge, and one (1) 2-1/2” rear discharge. There is also one (1) 2-1/2” suction inlet provided at the rear.

Masimo Rad-57 CO-Oximeter

Sni Valley Fire recently purchased two Masimo Rad-57 CO-Oximeters. Too often, even the most skilled first responders miss the chance to treat carbon monoxide poisoning early because, until now, there has not been a fast, accurate and noninvasive way to detect elevated levels of CO in the blood. With the Masimo Rad-57 you can easily detect carbon monoxide poisoning on the spot in just seconds with the push of a button, allowing for prompt and possibly life-saving treatment.

• Non-invasive detection of Carbon Monoxide (CO), Oxygen Saturation (SPO2) and Methomoglobinemia (SPMET) levels in the blood
• Reduce the risk of diagnosing unsuspected CO poisoning as flu or fatigue
• Perfect for Fire Rehab (NFPA 1584)
• Detects potentially life-threatening acquired methemoglobinemia