BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) -- The Kern County Fire Department has announced it has received a grant of $90,500 to purchase new extraction equipment, commonly known as the "Jaws of Life." This equipment is crucial for safely rescuing victims trapped inside vehicles after crashes.

The department emphasized that delays in providing care to crash victims can negatively impact the "golden hour" of survival, a critical period for increasing the chances of recovery.

Fire Chief Aaron Duncan stated, "The acquisition of new tools and training directly enhances our ability to protect the community. The investments we are able to make, through the use of OTS grant funds, strengthens the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of our firefighters in the field."

The funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.