PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Fresno County, California ranks eighth statewide in the number of motor vehicle collisions occurring annually. During 1999, motor vehicle crashes in Fresno City resulted in 3,445 injuries and 50 fatalities. The Fresno City Fire Department responds to motor vehicle crashes within city limits using trained firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and extrication equipment, in cases of victim pin-ins or vehicle rollovers. However, due to budgetary constraints, additional specialized extrication equipment, including heavy lifting air bags, air shores and metal cutting reciprocating saws, was not available for use by emergency responders within the fire department. In addition, Fresno City residents were in urgent need of comprehensive safety awareness education, particularly in the use of safety belts and bicycle helmets, to help protect children and reduce injuries resulting from traffic crashes.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In an effort to reduce the number and severity of motor vehicle crashes in Fresno City, the Fresno City Fire Department developed the Vehicle Extrication Program in 2000. Primary objectives of the program include:

• Improving emergency medical services (EMS) delivery by procuring and deploying upgraded extrication equipment in strategic locations throughout the city

• Training all fire department personnel in the safe and effective use of the new extrication equipment

• Providing public education and awareness training to Fresno City residents in the use of motor vehicle seat belts and bicycle helmets

• Distributing safety-related materials at local health fairs, bicycle rodeos and other educational events

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
Using grant funding obtained for the Vehicle Extrication Program, the Fresno City Fire Department purchased heavy lifting air bags and air shores. This equipment was placed with the city's technical response unit, for use in extricating victims involved in serious traffic crashes. Metal reciprocating saws were also obtained, and assigned to each of the five fire truck companies throughout the city. Two fire department staff members completed a train- the-trainer rescue course in the safe and effective use of this new equipment. These newly certified trainers then provided equipment use training to 175 members of the Fresno City Fire Department.

Fresno fire department officials also expanded the city's existing public education and awareness program to more strongly emphasize the use of seat belts and child safety seats for all city residents traveling in motor vehicles. Bicycle helmet use among children was also targeted for increased emphasis, and the fire department conducted or participated in a variety of local safety events, stressing the importance of safety belts and bicycle helmets in reducing injuries.

RESULTS
In 2000, the Fresno City Fire Department Vehicle Extrication Program provided training to 75 percent of the city's fire department personnel in the use of the newly-purchased extrication equipment. The remaining 25 percent are scheduled for training in 2001.

The heavy lifting air bags and air shores purchased for use in serious crashes requiring vehicle extrication, proved extremely useful in an incident unrelated to highway crashes, occurring in 2000. A local grocery store experienced a shelving collapse, endangering customers and merchandise. The new equipment was used to temporarily stabilize the area, until repairs were completed.

Fresno City Fire Department officials conducted or participated in 64 safety events in 2000, reaching 7,100 children, parents and teachers. The department also donated 256 bicycle helmets to children at various local bicycle safety events.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

WINTER 2001