By Shelby Brooks
Nar Nar Goon CFA became the first brigade in Victoria to receive upgraded ‘jaws of life’ after it was named one of the busiest road rescue centres in the state.
Since January, the Nar Nar Goon CFA attended 155 call outs, 41 of which were categorised as having a potential car trapping.
As one of the only road rescue response stations in Cardinia, the Nar Nar Goon crew was gifted the modernised equipment by the CFA assistant chief fire officer Richard Owen on Tuesday 11 May.
Richard Owen said the new equipment was “quicker, quieter and stronger” and most importantly, completely mobile.
“It gives crews immediate access. They could carry it across channels, climb, walk hundreds of metres away from the truck,” Richard said.
“It could also be used underwater if needed.
“They’re not limited by having to get the truck close.”
The battery operated cutter, spreader and ram means that the crew are no longer restricted by having to use 25 metre long hydraulic lines to power the jaws of life, like the old version required.
Part of the new equipment also included new battery operated LED lights.
For the Nar Nar Goon CFA, the new cordless equipment could mean the difference between life and death, captain Justin Seddon said.
“We’ve had issues in the State Park and down the spoon drains near Bayles before where we’ve had to bring extra hydraulic leads to reach from the truck,” he said.
“We were restricted on where we could park the truck close to an accident to use the tools.
“This will allow access all the way around the car and also there is no need to be so close with the loud truck so it will be easier for the patron in the car.
“For people of Cardinia, Casey and Baw Baw Shires, it gives them the best chance of life.”
Three other urban fringe CFAs, Langwarrin, Dromana and Werribee, will also be kitted out with the new equipment.
“We’re quite a little hamlet here on the other side of Pakenham, tucked away a bit,” Justin said.
“[The presentation] means a lot. It shows the level of support that we know is there from the CFA.”
The new generation in road crash rescue equipment will be used by the Nar Nar Goon CFA in three weeks’ time after the crew are properly trained though they did have fun giving it a go last week.
