BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County Fire Department has been awarded a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety for the purchase of new extrication equipment that will be used to rescue crash victims.

The $40,200 grant will fund a tool, known as the "Jaws of Life," that first responders use to break apart a wrecked vehicle with the victims trapped inside.

Kern County fire officials said the new 'e-draulic' tools are lighter and easier to maneuver, allowing them to remove a trapped person more quickly.