presentation about jaws of life

What Are The Jaws of Life: All That You Need to Know

Accidents have claimed many lives. Not because the victims couldn’t have been rescued, but because some of the rescue measures were time-wasting. Others led to further complications that resulted in fire outbreaks and other deadly occurrences.

Driven by the urge to find a better solution, George Hurst invented the jaws of life in 1961 to remedy the limitations rescue teams faced during their missions. You may be wondering, “What are jaws of life?” This article is a corpus of everything you need to know about the equipment.

What Are The Jaws Of Life?

The jaws of life tools are special equipment with hydraulic fluid used for extricating victims of accidents from compressed areas, especially during a fatal car crash.

You can use hydraulic rescue tools in various emergencies. However, firefighters use them most, especially during fatal car accidents that lead to complications such as compressions of sheet metals, etc.

Unfortunately, some accident victims die due to delays in the rescue process. Others died due to further complications that resulted from using the wrong tools for rescue missions. The jaws of life have saved many accident victims from the “jaws of death.”

The following are some jaws of life brands that most firefighters use in emergencies to rescue accident victims:

How Does Jaws Of Life Work?

The jaws of life are designed to function with pistons, just like in automobiles. When you turn on the tool, the electrical or gasoline power source triggers and moves the hydraulic liquid into one of the pistons.

After that, the first piston pushes the second one and ultimately applies massive pressure to the equipment at once. Immediately the pressure triggers the whole equipment; the user is expected to carefully handle it to achieve the goal of its use.

What Is The Jaws Of Life Used For?

If you are wondering, “What are the jaws of life used for?” The hydraulic rescue tool is primarily used for rescuing accidents victims from severely damaged areas that compress the victims within a spot.

Firefighters and other rescue teams use the jaws of life to rescue accident victims, especially during emergency cases.

Before the invention of the jaws of life, people were used to engaging random tools – such as saw-blades, in rescuing accident victims.

Cutting sheet metal with a saw blade can easily trigger sparks that can further lead to fire outbreaks. Issues like this have complicated rescue situations and made them even graver than they were.

Why Was The Jaws Of Life Invented?

Auto crashes or collisions are deadly because of compressions that make it difficult to pull the driver and passengers out of tight spots compressions. This situation prompted the invention of the jaws of life.

If you are asking, “Who invented the jaws of life, and why was it invented?” George Hurst invented the jaws of life in 1961. It is the most suitable tool in an emergency situation that requires pulling victims out from compressed areas.

Therefore, the jaws of life were invented due to the limitations of regular random rescue tools. The equipment helps to cut iron sheets, open compressed areas, etc., to enable accident victims to come out alive.

Q: What are the different types of jaws of Life?

There are basically four different types of jaws of life hydraulic rescue tools. They include spreaders, rams, cutters, and combination tools. The four different types of jaws of life serve diverse essential functions.

The various types of jaws-of-life rescue tools are crucial equipment that can save you hours of fruitless effort when extricating people out of crashed vehicles. The rescue tools are the best in situations where you need to avoid any circumstances that may complicate the rescue process.

Snatching accident victims from the dreadful “jaws of death” requires smartness and swiftness. Otherwise, the rescue crew may worsen the case. That is why the four types of jaws of life are necessary.

Q: How many jaws of Life are there?

There are specifically four jaws of life. They are; spreaders, rams, cutters, and combination tools. These hydraulic rescue tools play different roles in achieving one purpose – to rescue stuck accident victims from badly crushed vehicles.

While the spreaders are used in cases of compressed frames of vehicles and other structures, the cutters help to cut through obstructing metals that hold an accident victim from getting out of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the rams help to dislodge critical parts of the wreckage, which prevents accidents victim from getting out of a stuck position. Lastly, the combination tools combine both the spreading and cutting functions with just one device.

Q: Who uses jaws of life and why?

Firefighters mostly use jaws of life to rescue fatal-accident victims from extremely complicated situations where they are stuck in a crushed vehicle.

Ordinarily, regular tools like saw-blade may not be able to extricate accident victims from positions where a hard metal compresses them.

So, jaws of life are the best instruments that rescue teams, especially firefighters, use in saving the lives of accident victims in extremely severe cases like a terrible car collision accident.

Q: What can the jaws of life cut through?

The cutters in the jaws of life rescue tools can cut through plastic materials and sheet metals. Automobiles are basically made up of metals and plastics. The cutters in the jaws of the life toolset are designed to shear or cut through these materials without any obstacles.

If you find anyone involved in a car crash where they are stuck due to metal sheet compression, the jaw tools would be helpful in this case.

However, all four types of jaws of life do not play a single role in cutting through metals and plastics. Therefore, it is essential to study the different types of jaws of life rescue tools and their uses before engaging them.

Q: What is the problem with the jaws of life?

The problem with the jaws of life tool is the hydraulic liquid in the equipment. The fluid pumps through two pipes that link the equipment’s motor.

If a user fails to handle the equipment correctly, it can result in hydraulic fluid spilling. The fluid can be dangerous to the human body. Whatever part of the body the hydraulic fluid touches burns instantly and leaves a scar even after the injury heals.

The hydraulic fluid accident can also affect the proper functioning of any part of the body that happens to be a scapegoat. So, it is very vital to be extremely careful in handling the jaws of life rescue tools at all times.

Q: What is the PSI of the jaws of life?

The jaws of life rescue tools are designed with 5,000 PSI to ensure that the required pressure is released in a rescue situation. Cutters and spreaders may not be effective without the necessary level of pressure.

High pressure automatically means high performance. That means, if the jaws of life were designed with a lower pressure, they might not be able to rescue victims of the slightest car crash.

Some jaws of life have a minimum of 10,000 PSI; hence, they come with so much energy to cut and spread tough metals parts of a vehicle during a rescue mission.

Q: How much can the Jaws of life lift?

The jaws of life are designed with an incredible 19,108 pounds pulling force. Besides that, the equipment also features a cutting force up to 120,268 and a spreading force of 57,998 pounds, respectively.

The capacity of the jaws of life is such that you can trust in any situation. The tools can lift some items that you can hardly imagine possible. That is why it is fit to rescue people who are stuck in severe cases of car accidents where the victims are compressed inside the vehicle.

Q: How heavy are the jaws of life?

The jaws of life weigh as much as 40 – 55 pounds; hence, the need to be extremely careful when handling them. Handling the jaws of life can be really cumbersome if you cannot lift the tool easily.

The jaws of life weight require users to exert more upper body muscles in maneuvering the large devices. Therefore, it would be helpful if you were extra careful when using the tools to avoid any form of accidents in the extrication process.

Q: Is it easy to use the jaws of life?

The jaws of life can be pretty easy to use because of its design, allowing users to hold it with both hands. However, the size or weight of the particular jaws of life rescue tools in use is a factor that determines whether you can use them easily or not.

So, it is important to use light and easy-to-carry jaws of life rescue tools when extricating victims of accidents out of a compressed or crushed vehicle. Besides the weight or size of the equipment, it is also essential to study how to use the tools through a jaw of life video online .

Q: How much do jaws of life cost?

If you are asking, “How much do jaws of life cost?” The jaws of life rescue tools cost around $495 to $750. The tools are not really expensive compared to the roles that they play.

Nothing is too much to give up just to save a soul. Life has no duplicate; hence, paying up to $750 for the jaws of life rescue tools is worth it.

Different merchants sell the jaws of life tools online. You may want to find out the ones that fall within your budget if you intend to buy the equipment.

Final Words

You’ve just learned something very vital about rescuing accident victims through the jaws of life. So, if you were contemplating, “What are the jaws of life?” I am sure the information shared in this article will serve your service the best.

The rescue tool is such a lifesaver. It is the most suitable tool for rescuing victims of emergency situations, especially car crashes or collisions.

However, it is important to understand how to use the tool before engaging them. So, kindly take some time and find out how to use the jaws of life .

Osuagwu Solomon

Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyer’s guides, and car and tools comparisons.

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Jaws of Life: Invention, tools and uses

The Jaws of Life are a firefighter's emergency tool and valuable companion during crash recoveries

Emergency extraction tools

Additional resources, bibliography.

The Jaws of Life is a hydraulic rescue tool that is used to cut through cars and rip open vehicles' doors to release stricken occupants. 

Modern vehicles are built with strong, durable frames  designed to prevent damage to passengers and internal car parts, even during a collision. However, in the most severe incidents, these frames can be flipped, compressed and crushed, causing  potentially serious injury to the occupants.

When first responders arrive at traffic collision, their main goal is to release the vehicle's occupants quickly and safely, according to the Global Road Safety Partnership .  The Jaws of Life is the favoured hydraulic tool for this job, as it is highly powerful and capable of removing any material or debris obstructing a crash victim's exit from the vehicle, according to McLaren Oakland Hospital .

This equipment can widen openings to the vehicle, cut car frames apart and lift crushing weights from passengers.

Cutters, spreaders and rams are used to pull apart vehicles.

How the hydraulics work

How can these tough tools push, cut and ram through a car's high-strength materials? Hydraulic machines, such as the Jaws of Life, use high pressure liquid which is converted into mechanical energy, according to the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power . Oil is the most common fluid for these machines, but the Jaws of Life tools use phosphate-ester fluid. This is a fire-resistant alternative, which does not conduct electricity and makes a rescue operation safer. 

Related: 6 simple machines: Making work easier

When in use, a piston inside the tools pushes the liquid downwards. As an incompressible liquid enters a small space, the pressure is greatly magnified. This effect can be created with a small volume of liquid. The liquid transfers this force to another piston which is pushed upwards. It is this force that moves the arms or blades of spreaders and cutters. 

Inventing the jaws

The first hydraulic rescue tools were invented in 1961 by car parts manufacturer George Hurst, according to the National Museum of American History . Surprisingly, Hurst was not a firefighter but made a living by making cars faster and arguably more dangerous. Hurst built parts for race cars . 

When Hurst witnessed crews rescuing a driver who had crashed, he saw flaws in the existing traditional tools. They were too slow and not very efficient at cutting the car's material. In 1961 he patented the first hydraulic rescue tool, which he named the Hurst Power Tool. 

Related: Central locking: How cars' electrical door locking works

A decade later, Hurst had improved the tool to make it lighter to carry and during the 70s it was embraced by many firefighters, according to the Hurst Jaws of Life website . As the hydraulic tool saved many victims from the "jaws of death", its name was revised and became the Jaws of Life

Hear more about how firefighters use the Jaws of Life in this video by Bloomington Fire Department . Additionally, read about how Hurst celebrated 50 years of the Jaws of Life in this article by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) . 

• " First Response to Road Crashes ". Global Road Safety Partnership.
• Ginglen, J. G., & Tong, H. " EMS Gaining Access and Extrication ". McLaren Oakland Hospital (2018). 
• " Fluid Power System Dynamics ". Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (2009). 

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Ailsa is a staff writer for How It Works magazine, where she writes science, technology, history, space and environment features. Based in the U.K., she graduated from the University of Stirling with a BA (Hons) journalism degree. Previously, Ailsa has written for Cardiff Times magazine, Psychology Now and numerous science bookazines. Ailsa's interest in the environment also lies outside of writing, as she has worked alongside Operation Wallacea conducting rainforest and ocean conservation research. 

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What Are Jaws of Life?

The term “Jaws of Life” refers to a valuable rescue tool used to help rescue individuals trapped in their vehicle after a dangerous accident. The Jaws of Life is not just one thing but a compilation of several items grouped into one. 

Picture this. You’re driving down the highway, enjoying the scenery and music, when, suddenly, a drunk driver swerves into you. Your vehicle crashes off the side of the highway, and as you swerve to regain control, you inevitably flip your vehicle. When your car comes to a stop, you’re upside down with a broken leg, pinned against the dashboard.

Once rescue workers arrive at the scene, they will use an assortment of hydraulic tools referred to collectively as the Jaws of Life to cut away the framework of the car and lift it high enough for them to get you out. The rescue workers will use a combination of a cutter, spreader and ram to help them pry open the vehicles in the accident. All together, these three tools make up the Jaws of Life.

A Brief History of the Jaws of Life

The Jaws of Life are a fairly recent invention that has helped save countless people trapped inside their vehicles. While people continue to improve the original Jaws of Life design and make them work with newer vehicles and offer more functionality, the invention of the Jaws of Life has continued to be the most helpful rescue tool in vehicle extractions.

In 1961,  a physicist and educator George Hurst  witnessed a grotesque scene one afternoon while he was at a stock race. One of the stock racers had flipped their vehicle, and Hurst watched as rescue workers attempted to remove the trapped driver from the wreckage. He was shocked and appalled by how long the process took and how dangerous the current methods were.

Before the Jaws of Life, many rescue workers relied on large circular saws to remove portions of the vehicle to allow for rescue. However, saw blades against a metal framework were not always the safest or least stressful method of extraction. When the saw touches the metal, it makes a loud grinding sound that can further panic the already frantic driver. Rescue workers had to worry about the saws creating sparks that could ignite a fire or cause an explosion.

As Hurst sat there and watched the rescue workers use the circular saw to help remove the driver, he recognized the dangers of the process, especially considering the amount of time the operation took. Most extractions could take anywhere around an hour or more.

Hurst was inspired to invent the Jaws of Life as a means to remove the trapped driver more efficiently and safely. Relying on hydraulics, the Jaws of Life could easily tear open the framework of a vehicle in less than minutes. As a result, his invention grew in popularity and many rescue workers began using them in their extraction process.

When most people witnessed the Jaws of Life in action, they would refer to the drivers as being snatched away by the “jaws of death.” Hurst took the idiom and used it as an inspiration for the name of his invention. 

How Do Jaws of Life Function?

The Jaws of Life function much differently than the old method of vehicle extraction. Before the invention of the Jaws of Life, rescue workers used saw blades. These blades would spin rapidly and cut through the framework of the vehicle. This process takes too long and is extremely dangerous.

Jaws of Life rely on the power and pressure of hydraulics to achieve faster and safer results. Hydraulic-powered tools rely on the pressure caused by an incompressible fluid trying to be compressed. Hydraulics work by having a piston push down against the incompressible fluid, such as oil and phosphate esters. The force placed on the oil by the piston transfers to another piston, forcing it up. The oil trapped between the two pistons creates immense pressure that gives hydraulic machinery its strength.

The most common liquid that people use for hydraulics was oil. While oil works in certain situations, the Jaws of Life could not rely on it as an effective hydraulic liquid. Oil is too flammable and can lead to dangerous complications when used for vehicle extractions.

Rather than oil, Hurst used a liquid called phosphate ester fluid. This liquid has a much higher fire resistance due to its high ignition temperatures. The fluid can reach higher temperatures before it combusts. 

Additionally, phosphate ester fluid does not conduct electricity, which helps to prevent combustion. As the pressure inside the pistons increases, the friction inside also increases. Friction causes static electricity and can cause a reaction with oil and other flammable liquids. Since phosphate ester fluid does not conduct electricity, the friction buildup will not create a reaction.

Different Types of Jaws of Life

Jaws of Life come in four different styles. Three of them function as separate tools while the last works as a combination of the three. Regardless of which tool you have, they are all crucial to the safe removal of trapped victims. The four types are spreaders, cutters, rams and combination.

1. Spreaders

Spreaders work by spreading or separating the metal framework. The best way to envision spreaders is like a reverse pair of scissors. The spreader has a pair of pincers, similar to an ant, that open and close as needed. Rescue workers will primarily use them on compressed car frames and other damaged or collapsed structures, which helps give them new openings to better remove trapped victims.

While in the closed position, the rescue worker inserts the tip of the spreader into an available opening and uses the hydraulics to extend the pincers outward. The force and pressure from the spreader push against the damaged frame and spread it open further. Once the machine has finished, a much larger opening remains in its place.

Cutters work in the opposite direction as spreaders. Rather than forcing an opening, cutters use their pincers to apply immense pressure inward to cut the material away. The pincers close around the metal and pinch it until the metal snaps. After cutting one section, the process continues around the piece needing removal.

Compared with the other types of Jaws of Life, cutters are the direct replacement for old-fashioned circular saws. Cutters slice through metal and other materials within minutes and do so without the risk of sparks and other dangers to the victim.

When spreading and cutting are not viable options, or if you can’t reach the area effectively, rams help to expose inaccessible areas. While spreaders and cutters function similarly to their namesake, rams function slightly differently. Rather than ramming into the vehicle, the ram with the Jaws of Life applies direct pressure against a specific area and forces it outwards. It functions similarly to a jack, but the ram applies the pressure to designated sections instead of lifting upward.

Rescue workers use rams to dislodge parts of a wreckage that the spreader and cutter cannot reach. If an accident causes the driver to become trapped underneath the dashboard or steering column, the rescue worker will adjust the ram underneath the dashboard, and metal alloy rood will push abasing the dashboard, forcing it upwards and creating a larger opening for safe removal.

4. Combination

Combination Jaws of Life take the above equipment and combines them into one portable tool. Rescue workers will not have to carry around multiple devices with them to the wreckage site. They only have to worry about one tool during the entire process.

Using a combination of Jaws of Life as opposed to the individual tools can mean the difference between life and death. Rescue workers will not have to waste time finding the appropriate tool and attaching it to the designated power supply. Combination Jaws of Life can help to extract a victim seconds faster. In a life or death situation, the faster you can rescue the victim, the better.

Jaws of Life Specifications

When you are buying a Jaws of Life, you will have to take into account the stats or specifications of the machinery. You will want to look at several specifications to determine which is best for the job ahead of you. In general, you should take into considering the weight, force, PSI and power supply of the tool.

The heavier the Jaws of Life, the harder it is to lift and move around. You should consider opting for more lightweight Jaws of Life if you find yourself needing to do a lot of lifting and holding for cuts and spreads. However, keep in mind that the lighter the machine, the less pressure it can create.

Depending on the material you will be cutting through, you will want to know the maximum force the Jaws of Life can reach. The higher the force, the more likely it is to spread, cut and ram without too many difficulties. You will want to consider the amount of poundage or kiloNewtons the machine can reach.

PSI, or pound per square inch, refers to the amount of force the machine applies within a singular square inch. Theoretically, as the amount of force increases so does the amount of PSI. This information is especially important with the ram, as it has a set area. You will want to know how much PSI that small area can reach.

4. Power Supply

Jaws of Life come in several different power supply options, and you will want one that best accommodates the situations you typically find yourself in. In most cases, you can find Jaws of Life that rely on a closed hydraulic system, such as the original Jaws of Life that relied on phosphate ester fluid, a pneumatic system that relies on pressurized air or an electric system that relies on a separate power generator. 

Pros and Cons of Jaws of Life Types

When selecting which Jaws of Life is best for you, you will have to consider the above specifications in determining the best fit. However, you should also be aware of some of the common pros and cons. While the obvious pros and cons of an increased force, PSI and weight are fairly straightforward, the real differences come in the type of power supply you choose.

1. Closed Hydraulic Systems

With this type of system, you can appreciate the following pros:

• It has the most power to tackle larger incidents that involve heavy metal construction.
• Close hydraulic systems offer the most powerful tools available.
• It is still an effective means of extraction after 55 years.

Closed hydraulic systems have the following negative attributes:

• It is the heaviest tools of all the systems.
• These systems rely solely on caustic hydraulic fluids (phosphate ester fluid) to operate.

2. Pneumatic Systems

With a pneumatic system, you receive the following benefits:

• It is the most lightweight option.
• It’s easier to transport.
• This system produces the least amount of noise pollution.
• It offers a wide variety of appliances.
• Pneumatic systems use pressurized air rather than fluid or electricity.

Pneumatic systems also have the following cons:

• They are limited to air availability.
• These systems have less force and PSI.

3. Electrical Systems

Electrical systems provide the following advantages: 

• It is lightweight and is easy to transport.
• This system offers a wide variety of appliances.
• Technological advancements increase the battery life substantially.

This type of system also come with the following cons:

• They must have an available electrical supply.
• There are some restrictions when it comes to heavier metal construction.

How to Purchase Jaws of Life Equipment

When you decide to purchase a set of Jaws of Life, you’ll have to make two decisions. You must decide whether or not you want to buy each tool individually or in a combination Jaws of Life. You’ll also have to determine whether you want a new or used set.

Combination Jaws of Life offer the most convenience at an affordable price. You’ll only have to bring one tool with you rather than three separate ones. You will be able to transition seamlessly between each type as needed. However, if you are in a situation that requires different extractions happening at once, one combination Jaws of Life would not be the most ideal.

While it might be tempting to purchase a brand new set of Jaws of Life, you might want to consider opting for used ones instead. You can save money purchasing used, and you won’t have to worry about having an outdated tool.

The original Jaws of Life have continued to be an effective extraction tool for half a century without the need for any major changes. You don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars for just one tool when you can have an effective and reliable tool for half the price.

Browse Used Jaws of Life Online Today

Since its initial creation, the Jaws of Life has saved countless people. These three powerful tools changed how rescue workers can safely remove drivers from the confines of a crushed vehicle. These tools are a must-have for all rescue workers and fire departments. 

At Fenton Fire Equipment, you don’t have to stress about affording these lifesaving tools. For half the price of a new cutter, you can just as easily purchase a high-quality, reliable used cutter and spreader.  Browse our selection of used Jaws of Life  and save a life today. We also offer a wide range of used fire truck listings.

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How the Jaws of Life became a tool to snatch you from the jaws of death

The jaws of life was first created in 1961 and are now indispensable tools for many fire departments.

Jaws of Life have the ability to remove a car roof in about two minutes

Photo/Hurst Jaws of Life

Alongside fire trucks and hoses, Jaws of Life may be the most recognizable tools at a firefighter’s disposal. Yet, many people don’t know about the rich history of the tool and its multitude of uses.

the Jaws of Life origin story

Hydraulic rescue tools were first patented in 1961 by George Hurst after he witnessed rescue crews take over an hour to extricate stock car drivers from crashed cars. Before the Hurst tools were in use, rescuers typically used circular saws to cut open car frames. This had several drawbacks:

• Traditional saws can create sparks, increasing the chances for fire and explosion.
• They take a long time to create a safe opening to extricate a victim, increasing injury probability.
• They’re extremely loud, which can add undue stress to accident victims.

The Hurst hydraulic tools were praised because they were able to quickly extricate accident victims and snatch them from the “jaws of death.” This led to the nickname “Jaws of Life,” which was then registered as a trademark by Hurst. While Hurst tools are the only hydraulic tools officially named Jaws of Life, the term is colloquially used to describe many brands of hydraulic rescue tools.

How the Jaws of Life Work

The Jaws of Life tool uses a piston system, not dissimilar from a car engine. A gasoline or electrical power source pushes hydraulic fluid into the first piston, which then drives down the second piston and applies immense pressure into the tool quickly. Instead of an hour or more extricating a victim, the Jaws of Life can remove a car roof in roughly two minutes.

Most hydraulic equipment uses some sort of incompressible fluid, or fluid at its maximum density to help create optimal force. Oil can be used in many types of hydraulic equipment, but because oil is extremely flammable, the Jaws of Life typically use phosphate ester fluid, which is both non-flammable and does not conduct electricity.

Types of Jaws of Life

The Jaws of Life has four main types of hydraulic rescue tools: spreaders, cutters, rams and combination tools. Each serves a vital function in the extrication process.

Spreaders: Hydraulic spreaders are primarily used for compressed car frames and other damaged and collapsing structures. Like a pair of reversed scissors, spreaders start in a closed position and apply outward force, moving apart steel and fiberglass frames with ease, giving victims the space to be removed from a hazard.

Cutters: A more efficient version of the old-school circular saws and the opposite of spreaders, cutters operate like scissors on steroids. Using immense hydraulic pressure, they cut through metals to remove damaged and dangerous obstructions, allowing openings for firefighters to extricate victims.

Rams: While creating openings are important, there are times when a firefighter needs to dislodge parts of wreckage, like a steering column or a dashboard. That’s where rams come in, where a sturdy metal alloy rod is pressed forward to punch or ram apart sections of an accident that may be pinning a victim down and preventing their extrication.

Combination Tools: Instead of carrying multiple tools around, combination tools allow firefighters to use one device to both cut and spread damaged areas and extricate victims. A combination tool can shave precious seconds off a rescue, lessening the chance of harm or stress to a victim.

PPE for Jaws of Life Extrication

Unlike standard fire gear, when performing an extrication, firefighters need PPE . The goal of extrication suits is to allow firefighters optimal mobility and flexibility to react as situations change. However, they also have to keep safety top of mind. Good extrication suits have:

• Lightweight material to increase flexibility
• Reflective areas to alert oncoming traffic and keep firefighters safe
• Fire-resistant in case situations become perilous
• Reinforced elbows and knees to increase padding when having to crawl and maneuver around an accident scene to extricate victims

Firefighters also need solid extrication gloves. Ideally, these are cut-resistant to protect firefighters from protruding glass and metal, but also provide enough tactile feedback to allow them to recognize what they are touching when vision is impaired from low light, obstructions, smoke or rain.

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. Coming a long way from the days of power tools being used on race car tracks, the Jaws of Life have saved countless lives as they help snatch victims from the “jaws of death.”

[Next: How to buy extrication tools (eBook) ]

This article, originally published in 2017, has been updated.

Alex Bryant is a former FireRescue1 contributor.

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Over 45 years ago, we patented the first ever rescue tool system, and we haven’t stopped innovating since.

In 2010, we introduced the next generation in rescue tools — the eDRAULIC line of electric-hydraulic tools. This game-changing line features the untethered power of hydraulics coupled with the freedom of no power unit.

And then in 2014, we did it again by introducing eDRAULIC 2.0. This new line of battery-powered rescue tools is keeping us light-years ahead of the competition. While competitors are only now catching up to our first eDRAULIC line, these new tools are smaller, lighter and stronger, making them quicker than ever to the rescue.

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• March 2, 2022 // Company News Hands of Heroes: Anthony Morabito
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S 378 E3 Connect Cutter

Who knew a little tool could be this good — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

S 789 E3 Connect Cutter

The sharper the bite, the better the cutter — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

S 799 E3 Connect Cutter

Cut through car frames with speed and ease — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

SP 333 E3 Connect Spreader

The lightest spreader — but made to be brilliant — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

SP 555 E3 Connect Spreader

A spreader that stops at nothing — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

SP 777 E3 Connect Spreader

Steel’s worst nightmare — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

M 40 E3 Connect Spreader

Watertight design and up-to-the-minute feedback — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

R 521 E3 Connect Ram

This new ram hits hard — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

R 320 E3 Connect Mini Ram

Big thinking. Small spaces.

CR 522 E3 Connect Ram

Brute force with brainy tech — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

SC 258 E3 Connect Combi

This lightweight combi packs a punch — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

SC 358 E3 Connect Combi

Where heavy-duty cutting and spreading meets unstoppable technology — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

SC 758 E3 Connect Combi

Stronger. Smarter — and now it’s connected to the cloud.

Jaws of life school project for Grade 7 Step by Step

Instructions for Mini Pat Technology Grade 7 Term 1 Answers: Jaws of life with a Step by Step guide.

The ‘jaws of life’ are a hydraulic-extrication rescue tool used in a number of difficult emergency situations, particularly car crashes. It is most often used to pull drivers and passengers out of damaged vehicles after severe traffic collisions. Indian Expression

Jaws of life school project for Grade 7 Step by Step Video

Below is a Jaws of life school project for Grade 7 Step by Step video done by Ahmed Hansa

Materials used

What materials are used to make Jaws of Life

• thick cardboard (from a tomato box or similar),
• ice cream sticks (preferably tongue depressors that doctors use),
• short bolts and nuts,
• small and large syringes,
• water with red food colouring.

Instructions for Jaws of life school project for Grade 7 Step by Step

How to make jaws of life school project:

• Step 1: Cut out the three cardboard pieces as shown i.e. two for the arms and one rectangular piece for the base.
• Step 2: File down the top end of the small syringe and then drill a small hole through the plastic part at the top end.
• Step 3: Drill holes at each end of the ice cream sticks. The holes must be sized such that you can get a bolt and nut through them.
• Step 3: Attach the small syringe midway to the rectangular cardboard base using hot glue.
• Step 4: Wrap the base with duct tape and use duct tape to further secure the small syringe to the base. Wrap the arms with duct tape.
• Step5: Attach the arms to the base with one bolt and nut each. Tighten to the point that the arms can still move freely.
• Step 6: Attach the two ice cream sticks to the top of the small syringe using a bolt and nut. Attach the other end of each ice cream stick to the left and right arms. All parts must be tightened to the point that they can still move freely.
• Step 7: Fully depress the small syringe and the arms should be in the closed position.
• Step 8: Attach a tube to the large syringe and fill the tube and syringe with the red-coloured water avoiding any air.
• Step 9: Now attach the other end to the small syringe.

Grade 7 Free Learning Resources per subject

• Technology Grade 7
• Creative Arts Grade 7
• Economic Management Sciences EMS Grade 7
• Music Grade 7
• Mathematics Grade 7
• Natural Sciences Grade 7
• Geography Grade 7
• Life Orientation Grade 7
• Visual Arts Grade 7
• IsiZulu Grade7
• Xitsonga Grade 7
• Setswana Grade 7
• Isindebele Grade 7
• Dance Studies Grade 7
• Tshivenda Grade 7
• Sepedi Grade 7
• English Grade 7
• Isixhosa Grade 7
• Afrikaans Grade 7

More Sources:

http://www.mstworkbooks.co.za/technology/gr7/gr7-technology-07.html

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Jaws Of Life PowerPoint PPT Presentations

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C. H. Spurgeon Devotional

From the jaws of death, c. h. spurgeon devotional from the jaws of death.

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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said … “Be it known to you, O King, that we will not serve your gods.”

The narrative of the manly courage and marvelous deliverance of these three holy children, or rather champions, is well calculated to engender in the minds of believers firmness and steadfastness in upholding the truth in the teeth of tyranny and in the very jaws of death. Here is a wonderful example especially for young Christians, teaching them that when it comes to faith in action they must never sacrifice their consciences. Lose everything rather than lose your integrity, and when everything is gone, still hold fast a clear conscience as the rarest jewel that can adorn the bosom of a mortal. Do not be guided by expediency but by divine authority. Follow the right at every hazard. When you see no obvious advantage, then walk by faith and not by sight. Honor God by trusting Him when it comes to matters of loss for the sake of principle. See whether He will be your debtor! See if He does not even in this life prove His word that "there is great gain in godliness with contentment," 1 and that for those who "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness . . . all these things will be added to you." 2

Should it happen that in the providence of God you are a loser for conscience's sake, you will find that if the Lord does not pay you back in the silver of earthly prosperity, He will discharge His promise in the gold of spiritual joy. Remember that a man's life does not consist in the abundance of what he possesses.

To wear an honest spirit, to have a heart void of offense, to have the favor and smile of God is greater riches than all the gold and diamonds in the world. "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it." 3 An ounce of contentment is worth a ton of gold.

1)  1 Timothy 6:6 2) Matthew 6:33 3) Proverbs 15:17

Devotional material is taken from Morning and Evening , written by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg. Copyright © 2003, Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org . Used by Truth For Life with written permission.

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Screen Rant

Under paris is a scary reminder of the real-life 108-year-old tragedy that was rumored to inspire jaws.

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Under Paris Cast & Character Guide

Under paris' 'sharks in the seine' premise isn't as ridiculous as you think, every kill in netflix's under paris, ranked by brutality.

• The premise of sharks swimming up a river in "Under Paris" is inspired by a real 1916 event that was rumored to inspire "Jaws."
• The author of "Jaws" denied taking inspiration from the New Jersey shark attacks, even though his novel had quite a few similarities to the real-world tragedy.
• In "Under Paris," the explanation for sharks swimming in the Seine involves mutations caused by climate change and pollution.

Under Paris has a seemingly unrealistic premise, but it bears a striking resemblance to a real-world event from 108 years ago that was rumored to have inspired Jaws . Under Paris depicts a group of sharks moving from the Atlantic Ocean into the Seine in France, just in time for a triathlon to take place in the river. There aren't really sharks in the Seine , though, and there are quite a few reasons they wouldn't be able to make it that far inland, which makes Under Paris seem impossible. There was, however, a real-world tragedy in 1916 that makes it less unbelievable.

Under Paris differs from Jaws in one big way , but they do share quite a few similarities. Some viewers even consider Under Paris the best shark movie since Jaws , and it turns out they share a similarity beyond just their subjects. This 108-year-old tragedy has been rumored to be one of the inspirations behind the original Jaws novel, but it seems Under Paris used it as an even more direct inspiration. Under Paris might deal with some unlikely shark behavior, but the original premise, of sharks being in a freshwater river, isn't completely unheard of.

Under Paris is an unconventional shark thriller that revitalizes the genre through effective storytelling and solid performances from its cast.

Under Paris' Initial Premise Isn't That Absurd After New Jersey's 1916 Shark Attacks

Under Paris ' premise, that sharks could swim up a river and attack people inland, is far-fetched, but not as outlandish as it seems at first. As chronicled by the Smithsonian Magazine , there was a rash of shark attacks along the coast of New Jersey in 1916. Five different people were bitten and died, and the final victims were attacked in the freshwater, albeit slightly salty, Matawan Creek, 16 miles inland . It was a massive mystery that captured the public's attention at the time, and there's still quite a few unanswered questions about the New Jersey shark attacks.

The type of shark responsible for the attack still hasn't been positively identified, mostly because it's so difficult to verify the truth from other rumors that were circling at the time. It's also such an unusual case: most sharks can't normally swim up a freshwater river, even though Matawan Creek does connect directly to the Atlantic Ocean. There are some clear parallels between the 1916 New Jersey shark attacks and Under Paris , and the fact that a shark really has traveled up a river to attack someone before makes the movie's premise seem more plausible .

Jaws Author Pete Benchley Denied The New Jersey Attacks Inspiration (But The Connection Is Still Often Made)

Jaws is based on a novel of the same name written by Peter Benchley. It was rumored that Benchley used the 1916 New Jersey shark attacks as inspiration for that novel, but the New York Times reported that he denied it was one of his inspirations. Still, Jaws has quite a few similarities to 1916. Like in real life, Jaws concerned a shark that had come much closer to shore than it normally would, and began attacking people off the coast of New England . The movie even directly mentioned the New Jersey shark attacks, when Brody and Hooper were trying to convince the mayor to close the beach.

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Steven Spielberg's legendary tale of one man's desperate battle with a killer Great White shark on his small seaside community. Faced with a mounting list of victims and a local authority dead-set against causing panic or destroying the tourist economy, he assembles a team to tackle the shark head-on.

How Under Paris' Explanation Compares To The Reasons For The Real Sharks Coming Upstream In 1916

The 1916 New Jersey shark attacks and Under Paris were similar situations, but they had very different explanations . In real life, no one knows exactly why the shark attacked. At the time, they had no idea what animal was behind the attacks, and the media and other people came up with some odd theories, from suggesting it was a school of sea turtles to implicating German U-Boats in leading a marine predator to the United States. In the modern day, there have been theories that it had something physically wrong with it, but ichthyologists seem more inclined to believe it was just a very unusual, one-off event.

There is also some confusion over what type of shark exactly attacked in 1916. The prevailing theory is that it was a great white, based on eyewitness descriptions of the attacks. However, modern ichthyologists are more uncertain. Given Matawan Creek's freshwater, and the size of some of the bite marks, they think it could have been multiple sharks, and that one was a bullshark, a species of shark that can survive in freshwater . There's no definitive answer, though, and the 1916 New Jersey shark attacks remain largely a mystery, and proof that fact is sometimes stranger than fiction.

The idea of a killer shark swimming up a river to attack people in a city seems ludicrous, but there's some surprising truth to the story.

In Under Paris , however, there was a fairly well-explained reason the sharks made it upstream. Lilith, the main shark in the movie, was a Mako, which cannot survive in saltwater. She had a few mutations, though, and one of them allowed her to survive in freshwater. That explained how she could survive in the Seine, and Mika explained she was forced inland by climate change and pollution, which caused her to change her behavior to survive. That explanation is where Under Paris starts to deviate from real life and asks its viewers to suspend their disbelief.

Source: Smithsonian Magazine , the New York Times

Under Paris (2024)

Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a hidden world filled with ancient secrets and dark mysteries. A group of daring urban explorers sets out to uncover the truth buried within the city's catacombs, only to find themselves facing a series of terrifying challenges. As they unravel the enigmatic past of Paris, they must confront their deepest fears to survive.