Austin Freidt, a 19-year-old Mocksville firefighter, was born deaf. He had his first ear surgery at 2 years old, and then got his first cochlear implant on his left ear when he was 3. In 2012, he got one in his right ear, which allowed him to hear just like anyone else. He’s wanted to become a firefighter since he was 5 years old.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WFMY News

Fires and twisted wreckage do not intentionally create harm, but a man with a gun lying in wait is an entirely new and different menace to the fire service. In the early morning hours of April 24, members of the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a reported fire south of downtown LA. While extinguishment was an expected knockdown inside a two-story home, gunshots ringing out during overhaul were not.
- PUB DATE: 4/27/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FireRescue1.com

A Bronto Skylift aerial on a domestic custom fire apparatus chassis.

A Bronto Skylift aerial on a domestic custom fire apparatus chassis.

SHELBY, N.C. (April 26, 2018) – HURST Jaws of Life®, an industry leading global manufacturer of rescue tools, brings first responders two new cutters, the S 788E2 and S 788, with wider jaws and stronger blades designed for today’s high strength steels.

“High strength steels predicted to be in cars by the year 2020 are already being used in the cars of today,” said Bruce Johnston, HURST Jaws of Life director of marketing and product management. “First responders need tools that can face tough obstacles and allow easier patient access.” HURST will introduce the tools at 2018 FDIC International in Indianapolis, booth #2322.

“The new design and exceptional blade technology of our new S 788E2 and S 788 means first responders can get to the patient faster to save lives,” Johnston said.

First responders who seek the power and portability of battery-powered eDRAULIC® line, or those gaining power from generators, can use the S 788E2 and S 788 cutters as the solution. The new cutters can cut through current vehicle construction and are ready for tomorrow’s high strength steel. With a wide cutter opening at 7.87 inches, its unique blade geometry has a 6.02-inch blade reach. The S 788E2/S 788 also has 67 percent more cutting performance in the relevant work area so first responders can get to their patients faster.

With first responder safety and comfort in mind, the S 788E2 and S 788 are ergonomically designed with a star-grip that permits tool actuation from almost any gripping position. Dead man control valves will revert the tool to a neutral position if a worker’s hands slip from the control. Each tool comes with two batteries and one charger.

About HURST Jaws of Life

HURST is the only manufacturer of the Jaws of Life® brand. There is no equal to saving lives. The company’s commitment to research and development and dedication to quality engineering and manufacturing, has resulted in a line of innovative products known for outstanding safety,

durability and performance. HURST Jaws of Life, Inc., is a unit of IDEX Corporation, an applied solutions company. For more information about HURST Jaws of Life, please visit www.jawsoflife.com. Stop by FDIC International 2018 Booth #2322 for a look at the new tools.