SPRINGFIELD, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - When it comes to life-or-death situations, Springfield Fire Department Firefighter Wesley Adams said time is everything. It only takes a moment for things to take a turn while out driving. Before you know it, you could be trapped in a car upside down. That’s why having up-to-date technology is crucial to the department.
“More mobile. More versatile. They are more effective on the scene. The speed and ease of operation which ultimately helps save more lives. They cut down on time,” Adams said. Metal Cold Forming
Earlier this week, the department received a $33,000 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The money went toward buying brand new sets of HURST eDRAULIC rescue tools including a spreader, cutter, and ram. The equipment is mainly for vehicle accidents, where firefighters need to pop the door open to get the passengers out.
On Friday, the department put the Jaws of Life to the test by demonstrating them on a junk car.
“The sets a little smaller than our original set. They’re lighter. And they’re faster,” Springfield Fire Department Fire Chief Brian Eddins said.
But smaller and lighter, doesn’t mean weightless. Some of the tools weigh nearly 50 pounds each.
Eddins said the best part about the equipment is the fact it’s waterproof.
“Really comes in handy because after Hurricane Michael, we had so much water in the ditches, so much water on the roads, and we did have a lot of cars in the ditches. So it’ll help out you know, god forbid we get another storm like that,” Eddins said.
Adams said, as a firefighter, he’s working to save lives every single day, and he’s excited to have some fresh tools to help him do that.
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