For New Emergency Response Equipment

Vista, CA – The Vista Fire Department has received a $28,850 grant to purchase new air bag extrication equipment. First responders use air bag equipment complements to safely rescue crash victims trapped inside a vehicle or under a heavy object. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“This grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety provides the Vista Fire Department the opportunity to purchase new air bag complements to replace the equipment that has been in service for some time,” Deputy Fire Chief Craig Usher said. “Air bags are used for a variety of incidents and our new equipment will improve safety and extrication times.”

Delays in providing care to crash victims impacts the “golden hour” of survival, a core principle in the emergency medical services industry. Reducing the time it takes to get to the patient, treat what can be treated, and transport the patient to the hospital helps increase the chance for recovery.