NewsPasco County

Actions

Pasco County Fire Rescue adds new wireless 'Jaws of Life' tools to save more lives

Posted at 3:48 PM, May 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-16 17:10:00-04

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. - Pasco County is adding new Hurst Jaws of Life tools to help fire rescue crews.

The new battery-operated tools have a higher cutting capability and offer faster response times for Pasco County residents. The traditional Jaws of Life tools are gas powered and must be connected by a cord making them not very mobile.

PASCO COUNTY NEWS | The latest headlines from Pasco County

Because of their mobility, the new Hurst tools can be used in multiple applications. This includes emergencies involving vehicle extrication, urban search and rescue, forcible entry for structural firefighting, indoor applications previously not available and structural collapse, allowing firefighters to quickly and safely rescue victims and provide life-saving assistance.

"The reason they're better is they're battery operated rather than line or tether tools. They're quieter, they're easier to use, they're fast to employ, and overall they're safer for the scene, safer for the firefighter, and more expedient for the rescue," said Tom Winkler, a rescue tool specialist.

Click here for more information on the new Hurst tools.