When seconds count in the aftermath of a serious Maryland auto accident, the so-called “Jaws of Life” can indeed make the difference between life and death.
The first hydraulic rescue tools were invented by Hurst Performance in Pennsylvania in the 1960s and were initially used to help extract racecar drivers from their vehicles after a crash.
Before then, rescue workers typically attempted to cut into a vehicle with spark-producing saws or pry open a vehicle with a crowbar. Both types of tools could cause further damage and were notoriously slow when seconds counted to save the life of a seriously injured victim.
The new hydraulic tools, popularly known as the “Jaws of Life,” have since become standard equipment for local fire departments across the United States. These tools use a hydraulic-powered pump to work fast and quietly, enabling rescue workers to figuratively snatch a person out of the jaws of death, hence the nickname.
There are three types of hydraulic rescue tools that fire departments commonly use when responding to Maryland car crashes:
Cutter - This rescue tool cutter has two curved blades that enable workers to quickly cut through any type of metal.
Spreader - As the name implies, this tool’s long, narrow arms help rescue workers push open a tight spot, such as pushing apart two vehicle panels that have been crushed together in a Maryland truck accident.
Spreader/Cutter - This combination tool can do the job of both the cutter and spreader.
If you or a loved one is ever the victim of a serious accident, these rescue tools may save your life. For more information regarding car crashes and your rights, call the experienced Maryland truck crash lawyers of Nickelsporn & Lundin at 800-875-9700.