Speed Was No Longer an Issue

The Wayne Westland Fire Association has been able to save many lives thanks, in part, to funding from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

The $10,000 grant awarded to the department was used to purchase extrication equipment, commonly known as the Jaws of Life. Within an hour of receiving their new Jaws of Life, the Wayne Westland Fire Association put them to use. The crew had just begun training with their new equipment when they were alerted about a rollover accident nearby.

Captain Fred Gilstorf and his crew responded to the accident, and found a vehicle flipped on its side. An elderly victim was inside the vehicle and unable to remove herself.

Using the older tools, the crew was able to stabilize the vehicle and begin removing the roof, but the process was going slowly. Speed of rescue is critical for positive outcomes, so they called for the new tools.

Once the newly gifted Jaws of Life arrived, speed was no longer an issue and the captain and his crew were able to safely remove the patient and get her to the hospital.

“Thank you to Firehouse Subs for their contribution and making Jaws of Life a reality for our fire department. The new equipment has made our extrication times much quicker and we greatly appreciate it”- Captain Fred Gilstorf, Wayne Westland Fire Association.