SPECIAL TO THE PVT Six new Res-Q-Jacks and an urban search and rescue quality cutting torch system are displayed at the Pahrump Valley Fire-Rescue Services fire house, compliments of a grant from the Nevada Department of Public Safety. Advertisement

New rescue equipment gained through a safety grant will augment the Pahrump Valley Fire-Rescue Services' ability to extricate accident victims from vehicle, machinery and other types of traumatic incidents during which they become trapped or pinned.

PVF-RS now has six Res-Q-Jacks, each capable of lifting and holding 4,000 pounds in a stable position, that can be used together to create stable tripods if necessary.

"We will be able to lift vehicles and hold them steady," said Fire Chief Scott Lewis. "Say a vehicle is inverted, flipped on it's roof. We'll be able to lift it up and extricate the person inside.

"This equipment can be used for more than vehicle accidents. We can also create a tripod to lower a firefighter below grade, into a hole to rescue a victim."

The grant also funded an urban search- and rescue- quality cutting torch system that can cut through a 14-inch steel post.

"It's faster than any acetylene system," said Lewis. "This equipment better prepares us for any situation, whether it's an industrial accident or even a commercial accident with a large tractor trailer involved.

"The combination of this jacking and cutting system gives us greater flexibility to respond. It greatly supplements our rescue resources and takes us to the next level.

The grant, which was funded early this year, was primarily funded by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, with $7,500 from the Office of Traffic Safety. In-kind funds from the town of Pahrump totaled $2,500.