Union Fire Department Demonstrates New Extrication Equipment

The Union Fire Department recently took delivery of their new extrication equipment, which will help them respond to emergencies where individuals may be trapped in their vehicles. A demonstration was performed this morning at the UFD training facility where members of the Fire Department simulated such a scenario on a Hyundai Veloster donated by the BASF Corporation.
“Our old equipment was purchased about 10 years ago,” said Township of Union Fire Chief Thomas Byrne. “In that time the way vehicles are manufactured has changed. Manufacturers are using different metal compounds which are now more difficult to cut through.” This cutting-edge, Holmatro equipment allows quicker and easier access to victims requiring extrication from the ultra-high strength and boron-infused steel used in manufacturing today’s contemporary motor vehicles. The equipment is 30% lighter, yet, three times more powerful than its predecessor, allowing the responder to work more efficiently while simultaneously increasing the likelihood of the best possible outcome for the victim.
“In emergency situations every second lost is the difference between life and death,” said Mayor Manuel Figueiredo. “We are proud to be able to support the Fire Department and outfit them with the latest in lifesaving technology.” During the course of the simulation, the extrication process was seamless with equipment that cut through metal and glass in minutes. The entire process, from start to finish, took approximately 10 minutes.