Object Details
maker
Hurst
Description
In the 1960s, George Hurst designed a 350-pound hydraulic spreader tool to help remove race car drivers from wrecks. He hired Mike Brick to market the device nationwide. Brick downsized it to 65 pounds and pitched the Hurst Power Rescue Tool to fire departments in the early 1970s as a way to free accident victims from cars. The tool was an instant success because it was faster, safer, more powerful, and easier to use than power saws, pry bars, and blow torches. It acquired the nickname “The Jaws of Life” because of a line in a promotional film. The Carlsbad, New Mexico fire department bought this tool in 1977 and used it until 2012.
Location
Currently on loan
Credit Line
Gift of the Carlsbad Fire Department
date made
1977
ID Number
2012.0110.01
accession number
2012.0110
catalog number
2012.0110.01
Object Name
rescue tool
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 34 in x 15 in x 9 in; 86.36 cm x 38.1 cm x 22.86 cm
place made
United States: Pennsylvania, Warrington
See more items in
Work and Industry: Transportation, Road
Transportation
Road Transportation
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1431924