Peterborough Fire & Rescue Peterborough N.H. Jaws Press Release

Peterborough Fire Rescue is evaluating Hydraulic Rescue Tools, more commonly called "The Jaws of Life" the primary set of tools used at automobile accidents for extrication of the occupants. The "Jaws" is comprised of many components including portable power units, spreading and cutting tools, devises called rams as well as other ancillary equipment. Several of the top manufacturers including Holmatro and Hurst are providing demonstration equipment. These devises are being put through many tests including dismantling of cars with crash damage. Firefighters are also evaluating the equipment's ease of use and safety features.

Developed over 30 years ago, the first generation of "Jaws" were a remarkable advancement over hand powered tools in aiding the extrication of those trapped in cars following a crash. 23 years ago, Peterborough was one of the first towns in the area to place the first generation "Jaws" into service. The tools have been used many times in town and without doubt have saved lives through enabling the rapid extrication of seriously injured people.

With Routes 101 and 202, thousands of vehicles traverse Peterborough each day at posted speed limits of 55 MPH. Accidents at those speeds frequently involve multiple vehicles at very high closure rates, some times exceeding 120 MPH. As a result, PFR responds to approximately 50 accidents each year, many with multiple vehicles and catastrophic damage.

The evaluations conducted today are due to the original set of "Jaws" coming to the end of its service life. Also, automobile manufacturers have incorporated high strength steel and composite materials into today's cars. While these new materials are utilized in the hopes of minimizing significant injury to occupants, cars are still involved in serious crashes and the components have complicated the process of extrication. In fact Peterborough's current set of "Jaws" was designed prior to the widespread use of such high strength materials, and would have great difficulty effectively penetrating this material.

Peterborough Fire / Rescue personnel are available to answer questions about the rescue tools. Contact Firefighter Jon Hampson 924-3624 or Firefighter Jon Sawyer, 924-4489 for further information or visit www.firerescue.us .

About Peterborough Fire / Rescue

PFR is the second busiest department in the 79 town mutual aid district which includes the communities in the Monadnock region and those in southwestern New Hampshire and eastern portion of Vermont. Last year PFR responded to over 1050 calls. This year PFR anticipates responses increasing by 14% to a total of 1200 calls. That equates to 3.28 calls per day, 365 days per year! Only Keene Fire/Rescue responds to more calls for help in our district.

Peterborough Fire/Rescue operates with a professional staff of 45 on-call members who ALL have careers in other professions. PFR is clearly a microcosm of Peterborough, with full representation of blue collar workers to PhDs, executives and stay-at-home parents. In addition 15 young adults, ages 14-21, assist as Fire/Rescue Explorers.