Fernie Fire Rescue is the proud owner of new auto extrication equipment after being awarded Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) funding.
The JEPP funds are used to pay for up to 50 per cent of emergency plans.
Fernie Fire Rescue received $18,000 to pay for half the cost of the new auto extrication equipment like a spreader, sheers, a ram and a stabilizer.
“The equipment will all be used in highway rescue,” said Fernie Fire Chief Shawn Ivany.
The old equipment was purchased with funds raised by the auxiliary firefighters over 20 years ago.
“Advances in technology, automobile design and stronger, harder materials make modern passenger vehicles more resilient than older vehicles,” said Ivany. “This has increased occupant survivability in crashes but also makes extricating patients from those crashed vehicles much more challenging.”
JEPP is funded by Emergency Management B.C. and Public Safety Canada.
Ivany said, “We want to thank the provincial government and the federal government, and we’d also like to thank the Mayor of Fernie and city council for their support.”