The first and only Jaws of Life since 1972
The evolution of expert extrication began in the early 1970s when Founder George Hurst stood at the edge of a racetrack. He watched a driver struggling to escape a mangled car after a high-speed crash. As the founder of Hurst Performance, Inc., he knew speed and innovation were the keys to success. This was true for the team on the track, but also in the rescue that followed.
Hurst saw a need—a chance to save lives. He partnered with engineer Jim Dobbins, and together they developed a tool that would revolutionize emergency response forever.
What they built was more than a hydraulic spreader—more than hoses, engineered metal, and hardware fastened together to form a new tool. It was a machine capable of reaching into crushed steel and saving victims from what rescuers grimly called "the jaws of death."
Naturally, it earned the now iconic name, The Jaws of Life®.
More than five decades later, HURST Jaws of Life remains the most trusted name in rescue and extrication. HURST was the first and only true Jaws of Life. The journey from those first hydraulic tools to today’s connected, intelligent rescue systems is one of relentless innovation, powered by an unwavering commitment to saving lives.
It’s a legacy we’re proud of—and one we’re even prouder to share with you.
2016
HURST Jaws of Life launches the single most powerful battery combination tool in the industry as part of its eDRAULIC 2.0 line.
2015
HURST Jaws of Life fills a critical need with the introduction of StrongArm®, a powerful, portable tool able to cut, lift and spread; replaces a number of single purpose hand tools.
2015
HURST Jaws of Life launches the industry’s first battery-powered telescopic rescue ram as part of its eDRAULIC 2.0 line.
2014
Jaws of Life released eDRAULIC 2.0. Everything you want in a tool: power, speed, less weight and the freedom of a battery-operated tool.
2012
A Model 32A used by the Carlsbad Fire Department from 1977 to 2012 was given to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
2010
HURST launches the eDRAULIC line of rescue tools. The world’s first battery-powered tools with the power of a hose-line tool. With freedom from hoses, first responders can start the rescue much faster and save minutes during the “golden hour.”
2006
Airshore International joins the HURST team, adding shoring and stabilization to the portfolio. Airshore products were used to stabilize the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack.
2004
Hale purchases Manfred Vetter GmbH and Company of Zulpich, Germany. The inventor of the lifting bag, Vetter® expands the product offerings into lifting bags, sealing bags and more.
2002
Innovation continues with the introduction of 10,000 PSI tools and advanced 5,000 PSI tools, such as the MOC Series, Defender, Spreader and the “hot swappable” streamline coupling.
1995
IDEX acquires LUKAS, inventor of the first cutter for use in rescues. The #1 rescue tool manufacturer in Europe joins forces with the #1 rescue tool in North America.
1994
IDEX Corporation acquires Hale Products Inc. IDEX is a diversified global company servicing markets in fluid handling, dispensing and industrial machinery.
1993
The 90s brings the introduction of lighter, faster tools and new technologies like lifting airbags.
1992
HURST launches a complete line of specialty tools called Mini-Lites®. They are used for extrication and special operations such as forcible entry.
1991
The 32B is introduced and maintains the power HURST is famous for, just on a diet.
1987
Jaws of Life continues to increase their line of rescue equipment, developing new tools like the Mini Ram.
1984
Hale, makers of fire pump equipment, purchases HURST and expands into the rescue tool market. Production is relocated to Shelby, North Carolina.
1979
Innovation becomes part of HURST’s DNA with new models and new commercial strategies.
1979 – First Combination Tool: Omni II
1976 – Next Generation Spreader: Model JL32
1978
Jaws of Life introduces the first ram: JL 60 with incredible power, speed and displacing ability.
1977
Jaws of Life introduces the first production cutter: The Model JL 150. Strong metals didn’t stand a chance.
1974
The “Green Cross” award is introduced, in which HURST honors the heroism of a first responder. The stories reinforce our dedication to superior quality and reliability.
1972
Jaws of Life introduces the first production Jaw: “Model JL-32”.
1972
The Jaws of Life is in action at an NHRA race event circa 1971-72, notice the driver is still in his cage awaiting freedom.
1971
The first public introduction of the Jaws of Life (then called the HURST Power Tool) takes place at the 1971 SEMA trade show in California.
1971
An early prototype of the HURST Power Tool (aka Jaws of Life) is demonstrated at HURST Headquarters in Warrington, Pennsylvania. George HURST is pictured on the left.
1967
Before HURST Jaws of Life, there was HURST Performance Inc. HURST shifters were wildly popular among auto racers and car enthusiasts.
1965
George HURST and Bill Campbell at the dedication ceremony of the building that ultimately would become the first headquarters for HURST Jaws of Life.
Why HURST?
Just ask the 35,000 rescue squads and, fire and police departments who put us to work around the world…
Over 50 years ago, we patented the first-ever rescue tool system, and we haven’t stopped innovating since. Our commitment to research and development, along with quality manufacturing, has delivered products featuring outstanding safety, durability and performance. Because of this commitment, HURST Jaws of Life® is the most trusted brand in the industry, and our rescue systems have been instrumental in saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
Unrivaled Innovation
New rescue technologies that are leading the future of fire service.
Dedicated Customer Service
Representatives, committed factory resources, and a highly trained technical support group.
Strongest Distributor Network
Extensive coverage throughout the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the rest of the world.
Find a dealer.
Smart Solutions
For fire and rescue, emergency services, military installations, government agencies, and law enforcement.
Our mutual mission: extending lives
Your unwavering dedication to keeping communities safe inspires us to keep innovating ways to put the best of HURST in your hands. Since the start, you’ve joined us on our mission to extend lives and we’ve been driven to deliver the most trusted, reliable tools you can possibly reach for, every single day.
Here’s to our shared mission of making the world safer, together.
Join the HURST Jaws of Life® legacy
Help us lead the way into the future of fire and rescue. Apply to be part of our team today.
Company contact information
HURST Jaws of Life ®
711 N. Post Rd.
Shelby, NC 28150
1-800-537-2659
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