Extrication Equipment Grant Program

In 1993, AAA Michigan started a grant program to help local fire and rescue teams throughout the state acquire extrication equipment, commonly known as the “Jaws of Life.” These tools are used by emergency personnel to extract crash victims from severely damaged vehicles and to assist in rescue from other small spaces.

Over the past 15 years, AAA has made “Jaws of Life” grants to 57 communities in all areas of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Recipient organizations tend to be located in small communities on well-traveled routes that serve Michigan’s robust tourism industry. Usually these communities do not have the funds to purchase the equipment, which costs approximately $16,000 per unit.

Since its founding in 1993, the AAA “Jaws of Life” grant program has made donations totaling $867,000 to enable the acquisition of this life-saving equipment and to support the efforts of some of Michigan’s most dedicated rescue squads. In turn, the equipment purchased through this grant program has brought critically needed medical assistance to crash victims as quickly as possible.

AAA Michigan continues to accept “Jaws of Life” applications. Interested local fire and rescue teams may contact Jack Peet, AAA Michigan’s Community Safety Services Manager, at (616) 447-2715, for more information.