Dart Foundation - 2009 Randleman Fire Department

Randleman Fire Department gets "Jaws of Life."

by J.D. Walker/The Courier Tribune

RANDLEMAN, NC – It's commonly called the "jaws of life" and it can make the difference between life and death for those involved in tragic accidents.

Now, thanks in part to a donation from the Dart Foundation, Randleman Fire Department has just such a piece of equipment. Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Brian Causey with the Randleman Fire Department said the department took possession of a Holmatro extrication tool and ram in May.

Causey said the tool enhances his department's response to emergencies in the community.

"Before we would have to wait for aid from Sophia Fire and Rescue or Ash-Rand Rescue if we had someone trapped in a vehicle or industrial accident," Causey said.

Causey said the purchase of the tool was made possible by the Dart Foundation that donated $6,000 toward the cost of the equipment.

That wait cuts into what Causey called "the golden hour." The golden hour is the time from the point when an emergency call comes in until the patient is receiving treatment. Causey said the longer it takes to extricate a patient and begin life-saving treatment, the greater the risk for complications or death.

That's when the extrication tool becomes a critical component in the job of all rescuers. Causey said such tools are used for vehicle extrication and technical rescues as well as industrial accidents.

Within just two days or receiving the tool, Causey said he and his team were able to use it in a wreck on US-311 at Stout Road. One person was freed from a vehicle in that incident.

Causey said the purchase of the tool was made possible by the Dart Foundation that donated $6,000 toward the cost of the equipment. The total cost was approximately $16,000. The balance of the cost was covered in Randleman's annual budget.

Courtesy Photo

Lavera Hayes(Dart Container) presents Brian Causey (RFD) with the Dart Foundation grant. Also standing from left: Captain Michael Milks (RFD), Lisa Hatchett(Dart) Cornisha Thompson (Dart). Kneeling from left: Driver Benny Cox (RFD), Stafford Sanderfur (RFD) and Micheal Smith (RFD).

The Dart Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1984 by William A. and Claire T. Dart. Founded in Mason, Michigan, each year grants are awarded toward education (primarily math, science and engineering) and youth programs.

Other major areas of interest have included health, disaster relief and journalism programs that focus on the accuracy of news reporting on scientific and environmental issues. Additionally, major support is given to national projects such as the Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma, a global resource for journalists who cover violence.

Courtesy Photo

Life-saving Device – Firefighter Kevin Blackburn and Tim Hussey use the jaws of life, a hydraulic cutter and spreader combination, in a demonstration at the Dart Container Corporation in May. A $6,000 donation from the Dart Foundation made the purchase of the new equipment possible. Officials say having the equipment on hand can save time and lives when Randleman emergency workers respond to accidents in the community.