WEBVTT 00:00:09.416 --> 00:00:12.375 Nine subject matter experts assessed commercially available 00:00:12.375 --> 00:00:17.208 battery powered rescue tools for vehicle extrication, specifically cutters and spreaders 00:00:17.208 --> 00:00:21.833 that can be used by first responders to save victims entrapped in or by a vehicle. 00:00:23.125 --> 00:00:26.125 These products were assessed against manufacturer-provided specifications 00:00:26.125 --> 00:00:35.000 and while performing simulated, operational activities at General Motors Milford Proving Ground in Michigan from October 25 through 27, 2022. 00:00:36.791 --> 00:00:38.708 This assessment was conducted by the SAVER program. 00:00:38.708 --> 00:00:44.125 SAVER, is managed by the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory, or NUSTL, 00:00:44.125 --> 00:00:47.375 part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate. 00:00:48.083 --> 00:00:56.208 Evaluators assessed three cutters and three spreaders after a familiarization session for each tool that included a discussion of 00:00:56.208 --> 00:01:01.541 manufacturer-provided specifications and use of the product in two operational scenarios. 00:01:01.958 --> 00:01:08.458 During the Undamaged Vehicles scenario, evaluators responded to a call in which an occupant was reported to be unresponsive in a locked, 00:01:08.458 --> 00:01:14.166 undamaged vehicle. Evaluators approached the vehicle and determined immediate extrication was required. 00:01:14.166 --> 00:01:19.791 They began gaining access to the vehicle by first cutting doors and then the pillars. 00:01:19.791 --> 00:01:29.750 During the Rollover Vehicles scenario, evaluators responded to a call of a rolled over vehicle, leaving the occupant trapped and hanging upside down while secured by their seat belt. 00:01:29.750 --> 00:01:34.916 After approaching the vehicle and assessing the conditions, evaluators stabilized the vehicle. 00:01:34.916 --> 00:01:38.958 Once stabilized, they began the extrication process, starting with the cutters. 00:01:40.500 --> 00:01:50.666 When evaluators determined their cuts were sufficient, they used spreaders to expand the vehicles’ doors, trunks or roofs allowing them to access and safely remove the occupant. 00:01:50.666 --> 00:01:57.708 The subject matter expert evaluators assessed each cutter against a total of 22 evaluation criteria within the five SAVER categories. 00:01:58.375 --> 00:02:09.125 Capability at 30%, Usability at 30%, Affordability at 20%, Maintainability at 15%, and Deployability at 5%. 00:02:10.416 --> 00:02:14.291 The HURST S789 E3 received an overall score of 4.2. 00:02:14.291 --> 00:02:22.166 The box cut designed blades cut and compressed metal without causing the tool to pivot, giving it a high score in the capability category. 00:02:23.250 --> 00:02:33.583 Evaluators also appreciated that the S789 E3 included an additional battery-life indicator display on the back of the tool, enhancing situational awareness for those on scene. 00:02:34.083 --> 00:02:42.541 One disadvantage identified was how the placement of LED lights is not ideal as an operator’s hands would partially cover them, limiting visibility. 00:02:43.583 --> 00:02:49.250 The Holmatro Pentheon PCU50 received an overall score of 4.0. 00:02:50.208 --> 00:02:53.375 The cutter was found to be well balanced due to the curved battery, battery 00:02:53.375 --> 00:02:59.958 placement and rear handle, and evaluators stated the front handle and control throttle in the rear were easy to use. 00:02:59.958 --> 00:03:08.125 However, evaluators expressed concerns that the bar in the middle of the 360-degree carrying handle does not offer sufficient space to 00:03:08.125 --> 00:03:15.541 fit gloved hands to carry the tool in a natural and comfortable fashion, and that the non-recessed power button could cause an accidental shut off. 00:03:16.416 --> 00:03:23.041 The Genesis C235-SL3 EForce received an overall score of 3.5. 00:03:23.333 --> 00:03:32.375 The availability of NEXTGEN blades cutting inserts were seen as an advantage to evaluators as they could increase performance and be easier to replace than full cutter blades. 00:03:32.916 --> 00:03:38.583 Additionally, the control lever, or throttle, was found to be in an ideal location for operations. 00:03:38.583 --> 00:03:43.583 However, evaluators found the tool to be unbalanced due to the length and design of the backend. 00:03:44.041 --> 00:03:53.875 Evaluators also said the cutter’s adjustable handle further detracted from ergonomics as the locking mechanism resulted in continued movement during use and transportation. 00:03:56.541 --> 00:04:03.750 The subject matter expert evaluators assessed each spreader against a total of 21 evaluation criteria within the five SAVER categories. 00:04:04.416 --> 00:04:14.958 Capability at 30%, Usability at 30%, Affordability at 20%, Maintainability at 15%, and Deployability at 5%. 00:04:16.791 --> 00:04:22.416 The HURST SP555 E3 received an overall score of 4.3. 00:04:22.416 --> 00:04:28.708 Evaluators noted that the star grip valve, or throttle, allows the users to operate the spreader in any position. 00:04:29.416 --> 00:04:35.500 Additionally, they found the brightness, layout, position and comprehensive visual displays of the spreader to be advantageous. 00:04:36.208 --> 00:04:40.750 The SP555 E3 had the same disadvantage identified as the cutter, 00:04:40.750 --> 00:04:50.708 as evaluators observed that the placement of LED lights on the top of the tool is less than ideal, as an operator’s hands could partially obscure the LED, limiting visibility. 00:04:50.708 --> 00:04:55.583 The Holmatro Pentheon PSP40 received an overall score of 4.0. 00:04:55.583 --> 00:05:01.375 Evaluators also found the spreader to be well balanced due to the curved battery, battery placement and rear handle. 00:05:01.541 --> 00:05:12.250 Additionally, they valued that the tool stopped when it reached maximum pressure to prevent it being overworked. The PSP40 had the same disadvantages identified as the cutter as evaluators expressed 00:05:12.250 --> 00:05:22.083 concerns that the bar in the middle of the 360-degree carrying handle does not offer sufficient space to fit gloved hands to carry the tool in a natural and comfortable fashion, 00:05:22.083 --> 00:05:26.000 and that the non-recessed power button could cause an accidental shut off. 00:05:27.041 --> 00:05:33.208 The Genesis S49-SL3 EForce received an overall score of 3.5. 00:05:33.208 --> 00:05:41.250 Evaluators found the spreader intuitive to use and appreciated that the trigger button’s static position made it easy to know which way the tool was moving. 00:05:41.750 --> 00:05:48.500 The tool had the same disadvantages as the cutter, as evaluators found it to be unbalanced due to the length and design of the backend, 00:05:48.500 --> 00:05:57.041 and the adjustable handle further detracted from ergonomics as the locking mechanism resulted in continued movement during use and transportation. 00:05:57.291 --> 00:06:03.583 To learn more about the capability, deployability, usability, maintainability and affordability of these products, 00:06:03.583 --> 00:06:10.166 access the full Battery-Powered Rescue Tools for Vehicle Extrication Assessment Report at the SAVER website. 00:06:10.166 --> 00:06:14.458 NUSTL’s SAVER program provides information on commercially available technology and equipment 00:06:14.458 --> 00:06:19.041 that first responder agencies can use to make informed operational and procurement decisions. 00:06:19.041 --> 00:06:26.541 More information on the SAVER Program and access to more than 1,000 first responder-focused reports, can be found at the SAVER website. 00:06:26.958 --> 00:06:30.625 NUSTL thanks the assessment evaluators for their valuable time and expertise. 00:06:30.625 --> 00:06:36.541 Specifically the Chicago Fire Department, the Dallas Fire Rescue Department, Denver Fire Department, 00:06:37.041 --> 00:06:44.625 Hurst Fire Department, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, New York City Fire Department, and the United States Secret Service. 00:06:44.625 --> 00:06:50.041 Their insights and recommendations will assist responder agencies in making procurement decisions. 00:06:50.041 --> 00:06:54.875 Appreciation is also extended to General Motors Milford Proving Ground for hosting the event, 00:06:54.875 --> 00:06:57.750 and for Michigan State Police for helping with coordination.