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HURST Jaws of Life®— Ranked #1 in Leading the Way with Extrication Tools

In the competitive world of rescue tools, HURST Jaws of Life® continues to set the benchmark for excellence. The results of a 2023 federal report conducted by the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program provide undeniable proof of HURST’s dominance.

The report, Battery-Powered Rescue Tools for Vehicle Extrication, ranked HURST’s rescue tools as the best-performing among all tested. The study included two of HURST’s eDRAULIC® 3.0 products—the S 789 E3 Cutter and SP 555 E3 Spreader. Both HURST rescue tools ranked at the top in critical categories like capability, usability, and maintainability, validating HURST’s reputation as the go-to provider for emergency responders.



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Watch Video: HURST Tools Recognized by U.S. Department of Homeland Security

A new U.S. Department of Homeland Security report finds that HURST rescue tools rank #1 in battery-powered rescue tools for vehicle extrication. The S 789 E3 Cutter and SP 555 E3 Spreader in the E3 series were the top performers among those tested.



Federal Study Results: Why HURST Leads the Pack

The SAVER report provides a comprehensive assessment of battery-powered rescue tools based on five critical categories: capability, usability, affordability, maintainability, and deployability. The focus group behind this assessment included nine seasoned emergency responders, each with at least 15 years of experience. Over three days in 2022, they meticulously tested several leading brands at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground in Michigan.

HURST’s S 789 E3 Cutter and SP 555 E3 Spreader consistently outperformed their competitors across nearly every category. These results speak volumes about HURST’s commitment to providing reliable, durable tools that can be trusted in critical situations.


Capability: Power and Performance Combined with Durability

The SAVER report highlighted that HURST’s tools excelled in the category of capability, which included aspects of battery performance, durability, and cutting power.

Summary of Report Findings:

  • The S 789 E3 Cutter has “box style” blades designed to compress and cut metal without the tool pivoting or the operator being pulled into the vehicle.
  • The design ensures maximum efficiency while keeping the operator safe.
  • The cutter and spreader were lauded for their long battery life, often operating for over an hour under heavy use.
  • The HURST batteries also received praise for their rapid recharge times and resistance to overheating, ensuring these tools remain operational in the harshest conditions.

The ability to operate efficiently, even in extreme scenarios like submerged rescue operations or vehicle rollovers, sets HURST apart. This level of reliability, durability, and power is essential for emergency responders who rely on their tools in life-or-death situations.


Usability: Designed for Rescuers

Usability is another category in which HURST rescue tools excel. This category evaluated ergonomics, ease of use, portability, and compatibility with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Summary of Report Findings:

  • The S 789 E3 Cutter and SP 555 E3 Spreader were praised for their ergonomic design and intuitive controls.
  • The star grip valve, sometimes called the throttle, was well received because it enabled operators to use it with minimal effort, even when wearing full PPE.
  • The SP 555 E3 was commended for its balance, making it easy to carry and use, even in tight or awkward spaces.

LED lights and visual displays integrated into the tools ensure that operators can easily monitor the status of the battery and other critical functions during operation. The tools are designed to be usable in low-visibility conditions, enhancing operational efficiency.


Maintainability: Long-Term Value

Maintainability is a crucial consideration for emergency response agencies. HURST led the way in maintainability scoring with high numbers based on the evaluator’s feedback. This category included criteria related to routine maintenance, customer service, and warranty coverage.

Summary of Report Findings:

  • HURST’s training offerings, which include on-site training with a regional specialist at the time of delivery, met or exceeded all their expectations.
  • Customer service is provided via regional dealers, with annual service contracts available and priced by dealers individually.
  • Most evaluators found HURST’s customer service to exceed or meet all their expectations.

HURST tools come with a limited lifetime warranty on defects and offer comprehensive customer support, including access to ongoing training and maintenance services. This ensures that departments and agencies can keep their equipment in optimal condition without frequent, costly replacements.


The Best Just Got Better with E3 CONNECT and Captium™

Building on the success of the eDRAULIC 3.0 product line of cutters, spreaders, and combi tools, HURST is leading the charge into the future with its E3 CONNECT, including an updated version of the S 789 E3 Connect Cutter and SP 555 E3 CONNECT Spreader.

What sets E3 CONNECT tools apart is their integration of advanced technology with the rugged reliability HURST is known for. The tools deliver all the features that made HURST rank #1 in the SAVER report—outstanding battery performance, ergonomic design, and cutting-edge capability—while adding unprecedented connectivity for the modern age.


The Power of E3 CONNECT:

  • E3 CONNECT automatically receives and stores tool and battery data battery alerts, such as tool drops, overheats, and roll warnings, and transfers this data via Wi-Fi to a secure cloud.
  • Errors are detected early, and maintenance can be scheduled within a cloud-based program, reducing potential tool downtime.
  • Tool use documentation is automatic with E3 CONNECT, reducing valuable inspection time.
  • The smart dashboard provides up-to-the-minute feedback and records data for easy maintenance management.

This new generation of battery-powered rescue tools takes its game to the next level with enhanced connectivity and data-driven insights by connecting to CaptiumTM. Captium is a cloud-based platform that keeps emergency responders connected with their tools.


The Intelligence of Captium:

  • Monitor tool metrics, allowing for more effective planning and proactive maintenance.
  • Automatic data recording and transmission to the cloud.
  • Proactively address issues with advance notice from alerts, such as drop, roll, and temperature alerts.
  • Maintenance plan reminders and logging.
  • View the overall health of your connected equipment from a single dashboard.
  • Maintain NFPA-compliant record keeping.

This added intelligence layer ensures tools are always ready when needed, reducing downtime and enabling faster, more informed decision-making in the field.

Leveraging the power of E3 CONNECT and Captium also emphasizes maintainability, a key focus in the federal report. Routine maintenance is simplified through Captium’s monitoring capabilities, reducing the time and resources agencies spend on upkeep. With Captium, agencies can predict when a tool needs servicing, ensuring it remains in peak condition without the risk of unexpected failures.

For rescue teams, this means more than just having the best tools in the industry; it means having the intelligence and data to make every second count during a rescue. Whether tracking tool performance, ensuring batteries are fully charged before deployment, or receiving alerts when a tool requires maintenance, E3 CONNECT with Captium empowers responders to perform at their best every time.



Conclusion: A Proven Legacy, an Innovative Future

The 2023 SAVER report solidifies HURST Jaws of Life’s position as the top choice for extrication tools. The unmatched performance in capability, usability, and maintainability demonstrates why HURST continues to lead the industry. As HURST moves forward with its new E3 CONNECT line and Captium integration, the company is not only meeting today's demands but setting the stage for the future of rescue operations.

Emergency response teams looking for tools that offer proven reliability and next-generation connectivity need look no further than HURST’s E3 CONNECT. These extrication tools are more than just equipment—they are lifelines that empower rescuers to save lives quickly and safely.