For Crash Victims Trapped In Wreckage, Every Second Counts: Murrieta Fire & Rescue

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta Fire & Rescue is purchasing new "state-of-the-art" extrication equipment and is investing in specialized training for fire personnel as part of an initiative to significantly reduce the time it takes to free traffic crash victims from wreckage.

The end goal is to improve the victims' survivability, and the effort has received a financial boost.

On Nov. 19, Murrieta Fire & Rescue announced it was awarded a $120,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to enhance its response to traffic collisions. The grant program runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.

Titled the Regional Crash Response and Extrication Improvement Program, the grant will enable Murrieta Fire & Rescue to replace its existing extrication equipment, which the agency says has reached the end of its usable lifespan.

Modern vehicle construction, with high-strength steel alloys, necessitates the latest technology to ensure quick and safe extrication, according to the fire department.

The new equipment, often referred to as the "Jaws of Life," features increased power and efficiency, reducing the time victims remain trapped, according to the agency.

"The funding from this grant will directly enhance how effectively we serve our residents," said Murrieta Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Mike Lopez. "Providing our crews with this new, essential equipment means we can respond to emergencies and save lives with greater speed and safety."

Lopez will be managing the program to ensure its successful implementation, according to the fire department. Program objectives include:

• Training firefighters in the effective and swift use of the new technology.
• Reducing the response time for the arrival of appropriate extrication equipment.
• Reducing the time required to extricate victims from crashes, thereby increasing patient survivability.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue Chief Bernard Molloy said, "Having the most cutting-edge equipment is essential to help our firefighters have the tools they need to serve the public. This vital Office of Traffic Safety grant ensures we meet the standard our citizens deserve and will significantly improve our vehicle rescue capabilities."