The industry’s first watertight battery-powered extrication tool line is expanding, as HURST Jaws of Life introduces nine new tools that will give first responders a full selection of extrication solutions that are completely operational underwater.
HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT line
The company that has revolutionized the rescue industry time and again, HURST Jaws of Life, introduced its innovative eDRAULIC watertight extrication tool (EWXT) line, with water-resistant casing, in 2019. Using a potting process, tool engineers designed a protective compound for the internals of the HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT line.
When submerged in fresh water, water enters the tool case, but the potting creates a seal that prevents moisture from getting to the components, allowing the HURST Jaws of Life’s eDRAULIC watertight extrication tool to remain operational while underwater, without risk of damage to the battery or any loss of performance.
Expansion of the EWXT line
The expansion of the HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT line to include 12 battery-powered, watertight rescue tools"
“The expansion of the HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT line to include 12 battery-powered, watertight rescue tools means first responders can be completely equipped with the speed, power and strength that they need to get to the patient faster, no matter the extrication scenario,” said Bruce Johnston, the Director of Marketing and Product Development for HURST Jaws of Life.
Bruce Johnston adds, “Whether they’re in a submerged rescue operation, where an external power source simply isn’t accessible and hose lines add complications, or on the roadside facing the advanced high-strength steel of a late model car, EWXT is designed for today’s performance needs.”
Enhanced maneuverability in confined spaces
Tools in the EWXT line feature the same high-performance features and benefits, as their eDRAULIC 2.0 counterparts, but are more than three inches shorter, providing additional maneuverability in confined spaces. Additionally, the use of a brushless DC (BLDC) electrical motor in HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT products offers longer battery run-time.
The nine new tools in the eDRAULIC Watertight Extrication Tool line include two spreaders (SP 333 EWXT Spreader, SP 777 EWXT Spreader); three cutters (S 789 EWXT Cutter, S 799 EWXT Cutter, S 378 EWXT (available Fall, 2020) ); three combination tools (SC 258 EWXT Combi, SC 358 EWXT Combi, SC 758 EWXT Combi); and one Ram (R 522 EWXT Ram). The tools complement the previously launched S 788 EWXT Cutter, SP 555 EWXT Spreader and R 521 EWXT Ram.
EWXT line attains NFPA 1936 2020 compliant status
All models in the EWXT line are IP 58/Battery IP 68. HURST Jaws of Life also recently earned National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1936 2020 compliant status, for many of its EWXT and eDRAULIC 2.0 rescue tools, with additional tools that are currently holding NFPA 1936 2015 compliant status undergoing testing for the new NFPA 1936 2020 certification standard.
Features and benefits of the HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT products include an axial piston pump design, brushless DC motor, optimized weight and improved LED lights.
Additional tool highlights include:
- The S 799 EXWT is the lightest all-9 NFPA rated cutter.
- The S 378 EWXT (available in Fall 2020) is lighter and stronger than its competitors, with the widest blade opening at 7.99 inches.
- The SP 333 EWXT offers the best combination of power and spread distance in a spreader under 40 pounds.
- With an extended reach of 59.2 inches, the R 522 EWXT Ram weighs 1.1 lbs. less than its eDRAULIC 2.0 predecessor tool.
- The S 799 EWXT (A9/B9/C9/D9/E9/F5) and S 789 EWXT (A8/B9/C8, D9/E9/F5) Cutters offer best-in-class NFPA cut rating performance.
NFPA expands series of material category tests
In 2020, the National Fire Protection Association has expanded its series of material category tests
In 2020, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has expanded its series of material category tests, from five to six tests for rating cutter and combination tools, in their ability to cut high-strength metals, to include the new ‘High Strength Materials’ test, otherwise known as the ‘F Bar Cut’ test.
The HURST Jaws of Life’s S 799 EWXT and S 789 EWXT tools’ F5 rating illustrates the cutter’s high performance against the design and metal types of the ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) structures, in modern automobiles.
Advancing technology in the rescue industry
“The expansion of the HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT line continues our tradition of advancing the rescue tool industry, to ensure first responders can be successful at the scene,” said Mike Canon, the Vice President of Sales for HURST Jaws of Life.
Mike Canon adds, “As the only IP 58 rescue tool in the world and the only IP 68 rescue battery in the world, the HURST Jaws of Life’s EWXT advantage is clear.”