Rescue cutters soon for Raetihi

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 439, 9 June 1992, Page 1

Rescue cutters soon for Raetihi

Raetihi will soon have a set of accident cutting jaws, similar to the 'Jaws of Life' machine, thanks to the fund raising efforts of the Ohakune-Raetihi Rotary Club.

The brigade is aiming to purchase a set of "Escape Claws", worth $5000. The cutters work like a hydraulic jack and can be operated by one person, without the need for an external power

source. A man can cut the roof off a car within about three minutes with the tool, which can cut all parts of a vehicle needed to rescue trapped people. The Raetihi Fire

Brigade are called to most local accidents, said a spokesperson, and urgently need this cutting equipment for the rescue of people trapped in damaged vehicles. Speed in Teaching

hospital is very important in saving lives and shortening the return to good health after injuries. Rescue workers often talk a out the 'golden Turnpage2 .

Escape claws

Frompagel hour', referring to the first hour after an accident. If a victim can be at hospital within this first hour they face a much better chance of recovery. The cutters will greatly reduce the need for the brigade to wait for suitable equipment to arrive from other sources. "The Escape Claws will do 90 per cent of what the jaws of life can do," said a brigade spokesman. Rotary have taken on the job of raising the money needed, and on Wednesday evening, 17 June, the club will be conducting a phone appeal to ask for local help. Alternatively, donations can be left and the Bank of New Zealand.