MARIETTA - In the unfortunate circumstance of a serious vehicle crash, chances are, an entrapped victim will be rescued by emergency personnel using a set of tools commonly called the "Jaws of Life."

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Marietta Daily Journal - Published: 03/16/2009
www.mdjonline.com

On Sunday, firefighters with the Cobb Fire Department had an opportunity to brush up on their rescue techniques using the extrication tools designed to cut and remove metal.

From 7 a.m. to dusk, about 35 firefighters from Station 14 in northeast Cobb took turns chomping and cutting junk cars in the scrapyard of the Marietta Recycling Corp at 311 Marble Mill Road off Kennesaw Avenue in Marietta.

"This is really the only way we can practice," said Capt. Jon Redwine, head of the Third Battalion A Shift.

"We find somebody that's willing to help us out by providing the vehicles. Whenever that takes place, it's a really big advantage for us that we don't get that often."

Several cars were turned over throughout the day to simulate a vehicle crash, which is when the tools are typically used. The department said its goal is to get a victim out in less than 30 minutes.

Jaws of Life is actually a brand that's trademarked by the Hurst Jaws of Life company, but it's commonly used in reference to the series of extrication equipment that includes a spreader, cutter and ram. Though the hydraulic powered tools are precise, they're also capable using force of up to 10,000 pounds per square inch.

"The idea is to cut the vehicle from out from around the person who's trapped inside. When we do that, we have to be very careful that we don't do any more damage to the patient," said Redwine, a 22-year veteran.

"We have different techniques and we have to practice those techniques to be proficient at them."

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