HURST Jaws of Life®, a business unit of IDEX Fire & Safety, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the revolutionary Jaws of Life brand in 2022. The company whose hero tool founded the modern-day rescue tool industry is marking its half-century milestone with a celebratory logo, challenge coins, patches and more.
“HURST Jaws of Life has been an icon for the rescue tool industry for 50 years, and we’re proud to celebrate this incredible anniversary along with our dealers who serve as ambassadors for the brand and the first responders who rely on the tools to save lives,” said Britt Hawkins, manager, marketing services, HURST Jaws of Life.
Helping first responders
In honor of the event, HURST Jaws of Life has created a custom logo along with commemorative challenge coins and patches that will be distributed throughout the year. As the anniversary campaign looks back on 50 years of saving lives, it also recognizes the family heritage of first responders, where generations of families work together and children often follow in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents.
The history of HURST Jaws of Life rescue tools began when innovator George Hurst, the manufacturer of Hurst shifters and a racing enthusiast, devised a prototype tool to extricate auto racers from high-speed wrecks. In 1972, less than a year later, the HURST Power Tool debuted to the public with production of the model JL-32, which soon was helping first responders extricate everyday drivers from roadside accidents. It gained popularity among firefighters, emergency technicians and law enforcement, and it was soon monitored and then trademarked as the Jaws of Life.
Battery-powered extrication tool line
Over the years, the company has continually raised the bar on rescue tool power and performance
Since the original spreaders debuted, HURST Jaws of Life has expanded the rescue tool portfolio to also include cutters, combination tools, rescue rams and accessories to help first responders stay safe at the scene. Today’s tools are smaller and lightweight, and they can cut, spread, lift and breach metal, wood and rebar on vehicles and structures to allow first responders to get to entrapped people and save their lives.
Over the years, the company has continually raised the bar on rescue tool power and performance. It introduced the industry’s first battery-powered extrication tool line, eDRAULIC®, in 2010, allowing first responders tool operation unencumbered by hoses and generators. It next invented StrongArm®, a battery-powered multitool that fits easily in the trunk of a law enforcement vehicle and operates quietly enough for SWAT team use.
Revolutionary extrication tool line
In 2019, HURST Jaws of Life launched eDRAULIC Watertight Extrication Tool (EWXT), the first battery-operated tool line to operate completely submerged in fresh water. In 2021, HURST Jaws of Life debuted eDRAULIC 3.0, a revolutionary extrication tool line offering turbo power, a smart dashboard and fresh and saltwater compatibility.
“HURST Jaws of Life has been equipping heroes for 50 years, and we look forward to bringing continued innovation and first-to-market solutions to the rescue industry for years to come,” Hawkins said.
