History

A hydraulic spreader in use

Previously rescuers often used circular saws for vehicle extrication, but these suffered from several drawbacks. Saws can generate sparks, which could start a fire, create loud noise, which could stress the victim, and are often slow cutting. Alternately, rescuers could try to pry open the vehicle doors using a crowbar or halligan bar, but this could compromise the stability of the vehicle, further injure the victims, or unintentionally activate vehicle airbags.

In comparison, hydraulic spreader-cutters are quieter, faster, and more versatile: they can cut, open, and even lift a car. Jaws of Life is a trademarked line of tools originally developed by Hurst Performance for use in auto racing. The jaws of life derives its name from one of the coinventors Mr. Jack Allen Watson. When submitting drawings he would often sign them with his initials J.A.W. Over time the device came to be known unofficially within Hurst as Jaws. The name stuck. The device was later introduced as the Jaws of life. The hydraulic spreader was originally developed in 1972 by Hurst. Hurst later developed a cutter and a hydraulic ram. When an occupant is trapped the hurst tool is used to pry or cut the car to remove the occupant. It takes about two minutes to take the roof off a car.