What Are the Three “Jaws of Life”?

The three tools commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life” are hydraulic spreaders, hydraulic cutters, and hydraulic rams. Used by firefighters and rescue teams, these devices rapidly pry open, cut through, or push apart wreckage to free trapped people, most often after vehicle collisions but also in industrial and structural emergencies.

What the Term Means and Where It Comes From

“Jaws of Life” is a registered trademark of HURST Jaws of Life, though the phrase is widely used generically to describe a class of hydraulic rescue tools made by several manufacturers. These tools are engineered for high-force operations in tight, hazardous spaces, providing responders with controlled power to perform quick extrications with minimal additional harm to victims.

The Three Core Tools Used in Extrication

Hydraulic Spreaders

Spreaders are purpose-built to force objects apart. With arms that open under immense hydraulic pressure, they can pry doors from vehicle frames, create purchase points in crumpled metal, or lift and separate components to make space for patient access and removal.

The following list outlines the most common applications and capabilities of spreaders.

• Primary function: pry open doors, hoods, and trunks; create initial access points.
• Typical force: tens of thousands of newtons of spreading force, depending on the model.
• Tips may include interchangeable claws for better grip on seams and frame rails.
• Often paired with cutters for sequential door removal and dash displacement.

In practice, spreaders are often the first tool on scene to gain access or to stabilize and open small gaps that enable more precise cutting or pushing operations.

Hydraulic Cutters

Cutters use powerful, scissor-like blades to sever metal components rapidly. They are commonly used on vehicle pillars, roof rails, hinges, and steering columns, allowing rescuers to remove roofs or doors cleanly and safely.

The following list highlights typical uses and key design considerations for cutters.

• Primary function: cleanly cut high-strength steel components like A/B/C pillars and door hinges.
• Blade geometry and metallurgy are designed to handle modern ultra-high-strength steels.
• Provide precise, controlled cuts to minimize movement that could affect patient condition.
• Used in roof removal, third-door conversions, and dash relief techniques.

Because modern vehicles use stronger alloys, cutter selection and blade condition are critical to ensure efficient, safe cuts without tool overload or dangerous blade slippage.

Hydraulic Rams

Rams deliver linear pushing force to displace dashboards, move pedals, spread apart dashboards and bulkheads, or stabilize structures. They are typically used after initial access has been made with spreaders and/or cutters.

The list below describes common ram applications and operational notes.

• Primary function: push or hold components apart; perform dash rolls and controlled displacements.
• Available in various lengths; extension attachments allow customized reach.
• Require solid purchase points and good cribbing to direct force safely.
• Useful beyond vehicles, including in structural or industrial entrapments.

Rams are essential when space must be created in a straight line, providing measured force to move heavy structures without sudden shifts.

Power Sources and Configurations

Modern rescue tools come in both hose-fed hydraulic systems and self-contained battery-powered models. Departments choose based on response profile, climate, weight, maintenance, and interoperability with existing equipment.

The following list summarizes common configurations and their implications for field use.

• Remote pump and hose systems: gas or electric power units feed tools via hydraulic hoses; proven, continuous power but require hose management.
• Battery-powered tools: cordless, rapidly deployable, and maneuverable; modern units deliver forces comparable to hose-fed systems.
• Combination tools (“combi”): a single device that both spreads and cuts; trades some specialized performance for versatility and speed.

While traditional hose-fed tools remain ubiquitous, cordless platforms have become standard in many agencies due to faster deployment, fewer trip hazards, and improved ergonomics.

How Responders Choose Among the Three

Tool selection is dictated by the entrapment, vehicle construction, and patient condition. The goal is to create the fastest, safest pathway for extrication with minimal additional movement.

The steps below illustrate a typical decision sequence during a vehicle extrication.

1. Stabilize the vehicle and perform initial assessment and patient protection.
2. Use spreaders to create purchase points and gain access (e.g., door pops).
3. Deploy cutters to remove doors, pillars, or roofs as indicated by patient care needs.
4. Apply rams to displace dashboards or move structural elements in a controlled manner.
5. Reassess continuously, switching tools as needed to maintain a clear, safe egress path.

This sequence varies by scenario, but it reflects the complementary roles of spreaders, cutters, and rams in creating space efficiently and safely.

Safety and Limitations

High-force operations introduce risks to patients and responders. Proper training, tool maintenance, and scene control are essential to mitigate hazards.

The following points capture key safety considerations encountered during extrication with the three tools.

• Scene safety: cribbing, chocking, battery isolation, and airbag awareness reduce secondary injuries.
• Tool placement: secure purchase points and blade positioning prevent slips and sudden releases.
• Material challenges: modern high-strength steels and composites may require specific tool ratings and tactics.
• Patient protection: hard and soft protection, coordinated communication, and medical oversight minimize movement and debris exposure.

With disciplined technique and ongoing training, teams can harness these tools’ power while maintaining control and patient safety.

Summary

The three “Jaws of Life” are hydraulic spreaders, hydraulic cutters, and hydraulic rams—complementary tools that pry, cut, and push to free trapped occupants quickly and safely. Whether hose-fed or battery-powered, they remain foundational in modern rescue operations, selected and sequenced based on the entrapment, materials, and patient needs.

What are the jaws of life?

The “Jaws of Life” refers to hydraulic rescue tools used by emergency personnel to cut and spread metal, freeing victims trapped in vehicle accidents or other entrapments. These powerful tools include spreaders to pry apart wreckage, cutters to shear through metal, and rams to push obstacles away. The name, a trademark of the Hurst company, was coined because the tools give rescuers the power to “snatch people from the jaws of death” by rapidly removing them from dangerous situations that would otherwise take much longer to resolve.
 
This video shows a firefighter demonstrating how the Jaws of Life tools are used: 1mCity of Bloomington, Minnesota YouTube · Apr 23, 2014
How They Work

• Hydraulic Pressure: The tools are powered by hydraulic fluid, which generates immense pressure through a piston system. 
• Power Source: This pressure is supplied by a gasoline- or electric-powered pump. 
• Rapid Extrication: The resulting force allows rescuers to quickly cut or spread vehicle parts, reducing rescue times from an hour or more to just minutes. 

Types of Tools

• Spreaders: Pries open metal, creating space. 
• Cutters: High-powered metal shears for cutting through steel. 
• Rams: Extend to apply force and push apart parts of a vehicle, like a dash. 
• Combination Tools: Smaller, multi-functional tools that can both spread and cut. 

History 

• Origin: The original Hurst Power Rescue Tool was designed by George Hurst in 1963 to rescue race car drivers from crashes.
• Commercialization: The tool was later marketed to fire departments in the early 1970s as a more efficient and powerful alternative to older rescue methods like blowtorches.

What are the Jaws of Life actually called?

The tools often called the “Jaws of Life” are technically known as hydraulic rescue tools, with the specific brand name Hurst Rescue Tools also being a correct term, as the term “Jaws of Life” originated from this company’s equipment. This system of tools includes cutters for shearing metal, spreaders for prying open crushed doors and frames, and rams for pushing apart vehicle components. 
Breakdown of the tools:

• Cutters: Opens in new tabA type of hydraulic shear that uses pincers to apply inward pressure and cut through car parts. 
• Spreaders: Opens in new tabThese tools have arms that open and push apart vehicle panels to create an escape route. 
• Rams: Opens in new tabUsed to exert force and create space by extending a piston, often to push a dashboard away from trapped occupants. 

Origin of the name:

• George Hurst, a race car parts manufacturer, developed these tools in 1961 to help free trapped victims from crashed vehicles more quickly. 
• His company’s line of tools became so well-known that “Jaws of Life” became a common nickname for the entire system, regardless of the manufacturer. 

What are the three types of Jaws of Life?

What are the types of Jaws of Life?

• Spreader.
• Cutter.
• Ram.
• Combination.

How many lives have the Jaws of Life saved?

24,000 Lives Saved
Over 24,000 Lives Saved
Know of a courageous rescue that used HURST Jaws of Life tools?