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.