The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department is training to make sure their skills are up to date on the latest rescue tools purchased with the help of a Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) grant.
The equipment, including a cutter, spreader, hoses, pump and telescopic rams replaces similar but outdated equipment that has served the department well for 25 years, said chief Doug Banks.
The old cutter was beginning to struggle with the harder metals in modern vehicles, while the new one slices right through things like door hinges, “just like butter.”
The new equipment, manufactured by the Holmatro Company, happens to be sold through a provincial distributor based in Errington, which Banks pointed out means if they have a problem at an emergency scene they could have a replacement part in minutes.
“Our original equipment was still in good shape and maintained every year. However, we felt it was time to replace it” he said. “The new tools will allow us to extricate victims in vehicle accidents much more safely and faster.”
The city applied for the JEPP grant through Emergency Management BC which allows for a 50/50 cost sharing arrangement. Total cost of the equipment was $48,789.