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Electric Rescue Tools
I saw a video on YouTube of Chicago Fire cutting 2 people out of an overturned car. I noticed they had some really neat electric rescue tools. Does anyone know what make/model these are? What about experience with this brand or any other brand? I know electric motors can be pretty powerful. Plus, you aren't tethered to the truck, no hydraulic lines to rupture or come off, and they are quieter since you don't have to have a generator running. They seem to be a really decent replacement to the hydraulic tools we use now. Just want some opinions and thoughts on the idea. Thanks.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by 55 TRUCK on
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Can you post a link to the video? I have looked through CFD vids on you tube, the ones I saw the CFD were using Hurst hydraulic tools.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Veach on
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Those are Hurst battery pack tools....http://jawsoflife.com/Products/Product/Default.aspx?ProductId=2347&...
I have never used them. I would suggest you call Truck 33 Chicago fire dept. ask them about the tools.
They will give you a well informed verbal report on the tools.
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Thanks. I may just do that. Do Chicago stations have telephones the public can call? I'm in Texas. Do you think they'd talk to someone over the phone about them, given that I really could be anyone? What the heck. It's worth a shot, if nothing else I'll get some information. Thanks 55 Truck.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Richardson on
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Could you post what you find out? We are looking at some next week as possible backups to our hydraulic tools. Thanks.
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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
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My only experience is you are limited to the charge and life of the batteries. With a hydraulic unit yes, you are tethered to the system but you know its going to work as long as you'll need it. Be a real pain to be using the tool and have the battery go dead on you. In our business always have a back-up or plan B. Battery operated tools have a place in our jobs but always have a back-up.
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Permalink Reply by mean15 on
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Had a junkyard session with the e-draulic tools. Tore 3 cars COMPLETELY apart before the batteries died. No problem. Slapped in the spare batteries and tore apart 3 more. You want backup?? They also come with a 110 volt cord that plugs into the battery hole. There's your backup.
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Permalink Reply by Moose on
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I believe what Chief Sharp meant to say was exactly what we discuss in these forums numerous times; Dont rely on any one tool or one technique, keep an open mind and always have a backup tool or technique in mind should the primary one fail to perform.
I see these tools as being good for the quick door pop, or cut a few posts, but if there is extensive extrication needed I would go with the hydraulics and keep the battery operated in reserve should something go wrong. These would be nice for those jobs where the car ends up a few yards off the roadway, or in some other precarious situation where the hydraulic line wont reach and bringing the power unit would be dangerous.
Now, introduce the newer cars with high tensil steel posts; would these battery operated cutters do the job?
Another tool in the tool box though.
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Exactly! Thanks Moose!
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Permalink Reply by Derek J Sinesi on
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We have had two major accidents in the county in the last 6 months that no ones hydraulic tools would cut enough or pry enough to get the victims out. First one was a Volvo tangled up with a 18 wheeler Battery power tools did not work and the hydraulic tools would not cut through the support beams. We used 5 saws all's 3 people did nothing but change blades there wasn't a medal cutting blade left in any hardware store in the surrounding five towns. Took over 2-1/2 hours to get her out. 2nd was a Subaru head on with a box van. After 2 hours of trying every tool anyone had and not being able to free the lady the option was coming down to flying in a doctor to amputate the leg. Then we had a large wrecker come in and was able to hook a chain down low enough on dash to lift it while using the spreaders to roll the motor up off her leg to free her. Both case's when i rolled up on these scene's i though piece of cake extrication's. Remember never go by how thing's looks and what you know your tools should be able to do. You will find yourself thinking way outside the box. By the way first victim did loss some use of her leg and one arm. 2nd one is making a full recovery and just think we was thinking of having her leg removed.
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The video I saw was CFD in a pretty intense extrication. It wasn't a quick job by any means. I think people think electric and assume light duty stuff. Most large cruise ships are driven by electric motors. The thing that is nice about electric motors is they make their torque instantly and evenly throughout, so no waiting for the hydraulics to ramp up. I'm interested in these tools because honestly I believe they're safer. No hydraulic fluid to mess with. We shouldn't be so quick to write electric tools off as underpowered.
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I agree, and I never said to write them off, I dont know if someone else did or not. These are definately handy tools to have and if my department could afford to get a new set of tools I would ask to get both hydraulics and a battery powered set as well since we deal with a good amount of MVA's on our stretch of Route 20. Its a busy highway and goes right in front of our station. We also have a lot of 4-wheeler and snowmobile accidents, deep in the woods or fields and sometimes they are pinned. You get some of these teens in their Jeeps and pickups driving through fields and trails around here and end up crashing where we can barely get our brush truck in; these tools would definately be on my list of ideas.
I did use an old set of tools by Kinman, they were powered by 12 volt batteries and jumper cables. They were in a large box with a battery in it, just carry the box to the car and hook up the cables, and if the battery died you could use the battery on the car, or the ambulance or fire truck. But they were HEAVY tools, cumbersome, and tired you out quick. The ones shown here look much lighter and easier to handle though.
Here is something similar to the one I used, this is smaller.
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