South Haven Area Emergency Services has received a $5,000 grant from the South Haven Rotary to help purchase new battery-powered extrication tools.

Firefighter-paramedic Paul Pant said the tools, which include cutters, spreaders and a ram device often referred to as the “Jaws of Life,” will replace hydraulic units that are near, or more than, 30 years old. The new equipment will be used for vehicle extrications, rescues in water, and building collapse emergencies, Pant said.

“We only have about 50 to 75 feet of range with them because they’re tethered to the truck and they’re they’re very loud. So you park the truck next to a wrecked car and as you’re working there it’s basically like working next to a generator or a lawnmower. It’s loud. You can’t hear what your team’s doing. They’re a little bit slow and they’re not nearly as powerful as the new electric ones,” said Pant.

Pant said the department has raised $30,800 which is about half of its goal of purchasing two sets. With enough to order one set, Pant said the order has been placed. Additional funding was previously secured through a $10,000 South Haven Community Foundation grant, $5,000 from the inaugural South Haven triathlon, $3,500 from Grace Pharmaceutical, $2,500 from assisting with a New Year’s Eve event, and $5,000 from the Grid Life organization.

Pant said the purchased tools are demo models, one to two years old, which lowers the cost by $6,000 to $8,000 per set compared to new. Training on the equipment is included, with the department conducting two to three extrication trainings per year using donated vehicles.

He said the department is still seeking additional grants and local business donations to fund the second set. Pant said donations are welcome. You can find out more about SHAES at their website.