The jaws of life tool was originally developed by Hurst in the 1960s to rescue drivers in crashes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and then adopted by rescue agencies throughout the country, Lamerel said.
What is the purpose of the jaws of life?
The Jaws of Life are an important tool in every fire department’s arsenal. Using hydraulic technology, they can quickly, efficiently and safely extricate victims trapped in wrecked cars .
What is the origin of the jaws of life?
This tool was invented in the year 1972 , and one of the inventors, Mike Brick, gave it the nickname jaws of life because it had the ability to save people from the jaws of death, meaning to save people from almost certain death.
What led to the inventor to create the jaws?
A man named George Hurst was the first to patent the hydraulic rescue tool known as the Jaws of Life in 1961. After witnessing a grueling rescue of a stock driver from a crashed the car, Mr. Hurst went to work inventing a tool that would work in a fraction of the time of other tools.
Who made jaws of life?
The Hurst Jaws of Life® rescue tool system was the first ever to be designed and the patent application was made on April 26, 1971. The tool was introduced shortly thereafter. Originally manufactured by Hurst Performance Inc , in Warminster, PA, the tool was developed for use in the race car industry.
Is the jaws of life safe to use?
Most of us have heard of the Jaws of Life. The term refers to a brand of hydraulic rescue tools used by firefighters and other emergency rescue personnel. ... These tools are much safer to use than saws or other tools that may cause sparks around potential oil and gas spills.
What are the disadvantages of jaws of life?
- The equipment is heavy.
- It relies on caustic hydraulic fluid for operation.
- Gasoline-powered models create noise pollution on scene.
What is the jaws of Life called?
The tool, also known as the hydraulic spreader-cutter , was invented by George Hurst in 1961 after he witnessed rescue crew take over an hour to remove race car drivers from wrecked vehicles. IT consists of four main components — cutters, spreaders, rams, and the power source.
How long have the jaws of Life been around?
From race track beginnings in 1972 to the rescue heroes of today, Jaws of Life® systems travel with more than 35,000 rescue squads, fire and police departments throughout the world. During the past 40 years the Jaws of Life® product line has grown significantly.
What is the definition for Jaws?
1 : either of an upper or lower bony structure that supports the soft parts of the mouth and usually bears teeth on its edge and of which the lower part is movable. 2 : a part of an invertebrate animal (as an insect) that resembles or does the work of a human jaw.
Who invented the jaws of life and why?
A man name George Hurst invented the hydraulic rescue tools.
Hurst, a Pennsylvania health physicist and educator, patented the first known Jaws of Life in 1961 after he witnessed rescue crews take more than an hour to extricate stock car drivers from crashed cars.
Where is the Jaws of Life made?
The trademarked name for the hydraulic rescue tools is held by Hurst Jaws of Life, which has been located in Shelby since 1984. The local plant manufactures many of the parts used in the tools, and the final product is put together at the facility.
Who invented the Jaws of Life Australia?
George Hurst, an inventor who developed a tool to pluck drivers from their wrecked race cars, which was later adapted as the “jaws of life” rescue device widely used by police and firefighters, has been found dead in the garage of his Redlands town house.
How strong is the Jaws of Life?
When actuating the “Jaws of Life,” it translates to anywhere in the neighborhood of 12,000-16,000 pounds worth of spreading force , 14,000-15,000 worth of pulling force, and a spreading distance of up to three feet depending on the machine.
How much does it cost to use Jaws of Life?
Fees range from $50 to $300 , plus size-related additional costs, for inspections of fire box, alarm, sprinkler and other fire suppression systems. The site plan review fee for new proposals is $200, with review of plans for fire alarm and suppression systems on commercial developments at $300.
How much force does the Jaws of Life have?
Read these stats and you’ll agree: It features up to 57,998 pounds of spreading force , up to 19,108 pounds of pulling force and an incredible 120,268 pounds of cutting force. It is a force to be reckoned with on any job.
