Hydraulic rescue tools

Hydraulic rescue tools are devices used by emergency rescue personnel to assist in the extraction of rescue victims from vehicles, buildings, or other situations where conventional tools are ineffective. These tools, often referred to as the "Jaws of Life," use the principles of hydraulics to generate the large forces necessary for such tasks.

History

The first hydraulic rescue tool was patented in 1961 by George Hurst, after he witnessed the difficulty of extracting race car drivers from their vehicles after crashes. The tool was later named the "Jaws of Life" due to its ability to remove victims from extremely confined spaces.

Types of Hydraulic Rescue Tools

There are several types of hydraulic rescue tools, each designed for a specific type of rescue operation. These include:

• Hydraulic spreaders: These tools are used to spread apart the metal or other materials in a vehicle or building, creating an opening through which a victim can be extracted.

• Hydraulic cutters: These tools are used to cut through metal, concrete, and other hard materials. They are often used in conjunction with hydraulic spreaders to create openings.

• Hydraulic rams: These tools are used to push objects apart, such as the sides of a crushed vehicle. They can also be used to stabilize structures during a rescue operation.

• Hydraulic combination tools: These tools combine the functions of spreaders, cutters, and rams into a single device. They are often used in situations where space is limited or time is of the essence.

Operation

Hydraulic rescue tools operate on the principle of Pascal's law, which states that pressure applied to a fluid in a closed system is transmitted equally in all directions. This allows a small amount of force applied at one end of the tool to generate a large amount of force at the other end.

The tools are typically powered by a hydraulic pump, which can be either hand-operated or powered by an electric motor or internal combustion engine. The pump generates pressure, which is transmitted through hydraulic hoses to the tool.

Training and Safety

The use of hydraulic rescue tools requires specialized training. This training typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, and covers topics such as tool operation, safety procedures, and rescue techniques.

Safety is a critical concern when using hydraulic rescue tools. Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and must be aware of the risks of working with high-pressure hydraulics and potentially unstable structures.

See Also

• Firefighting equipment
• Emergency medical services
• Vehicle extrication