Where Purpose Meets Power: HURST Jaws of Life at FDIC 2026

FDIC International has always been about more than equipment for HURST Jaws of Life. It’s about the rescue community; bringing people together to talk extrication, share experience, and learn from one another. That sense of connection is a big part of why the HURST Jaws of Life team looks forward to FDIC year after year, engaging with the firefighters, fire chiefs, instructors, and dealers who make up the broader rescue network. 

Throughout the event, our team had the opportunity to reconnect with longtime partners and meet new attendees, all centered around meaningful conversations about priorities on the rescue scene. From hands-on techniques to tool performance and readiness, FDIC creates space for open discussion within the community, strengthening the relationships that support rescue operations well beyond the show floor. 

At FDIC, HURST Jaws of Life brought those conversations to life through demonstrations, hands‑on experiences, and new technology; showcasing how we continue to support the rescue community with purpose built tools and evolving solutions designed for the realities of extrication today. 

At FDIC, attendees experienced HURST Jaws of Life E3 CONNECT rescue tools, where proven performance is paired with connected intelligence through Captium. Together, the E3 CONNECT series and the Captium platform show how rescue readiness extends beyond the cut, supporting firefighters in the moment and teams responsible for tool readiness behind the scenes. 

E3 CONNECT rescue tools build on the speed, control, and durability firefighters already trust, while adding smart sensors and real‑time feedback delivered directly through the on‑tool dashboard. During demonstrations, users saw how that dashboard provides immediate operational insight at the point of use — helping operators regulate technique, make in‑the‑moment adjustments, and maintain precise control throughout every step of the extrication. 

Beyond the tool, that same performance data connects to Captium, where it becomes insight that supports readiness away from the scene. Through the Captium platform, departments gain visibility into tool usage, health, and service needs, helping reduce downtime, standardize maintenance, and ensure equipment is ready before the next response. Together, E3 CONNECT and Captium link what firefighters experience on the tool with the clarity teams need behind the scenes.

One of the most impactful moments of our FDIC experience took place directly inside the booth, where live car cutting demonstrations drew a strong crowd of attendees throughout the show. Firefighters gathered to watch as our rescue specialists performed real‑time extrication scenarios, giving them a front‑row view of HURST Jaws of Life tools in action. These demonstrations allowed attendees to see the tools operate exactly as they are engineered to, delivering controlled force with precision during demanding rescue situations. 

Using tools from the E3 CONNECT series, our team applied proven extrication techniques to vehicle structures, highlighting not only the speed, power, and control firefighters depend on, but also the durability of the tools under repeated, high‑stress use. As our rescue specialists worked, they shared their knowledge and experience, reinforcing best practices and explaining how thoughtful tool design and ergonomics translate directly to safer, more efficient operations on scene. These demos went beyond cutting and spreading; they showcased confidence, capability, and real‑world readiness. 

Behind the scenes, those same tools were capturing valuable performance data as they were used, reinforcing the idea that today’s rescue readiness doesn’t end when the tool powers down. 

Another hands‑on experience that drew strong engagement was the durability demonstration featuring HURST tools inside a dedicated water tank setup. E3 CONNECT tools were placed inside the tank while water poured down over them, allowing attendees to operate the tools as they were fully drenched. This setup gave firefighters a clear, tactile understanding of how the tools perform in wet, unpredictable rescue environments. 

The demonstration first underscored the reliability of the HURST Jaws of Life proprietary battery system. With an IP68‑rated battery; engineered to withstand water and dust intrusion, including full submersion and the option for a saltwater friendly battery, firefighters saw firsthand how HURST power systems are built for flood response, marine incidents, and water involved rescues without compromising performance. 

Equally important was the durability of the tools themselves. Designed to be rugged and submersible, HURST Jaws of Life E3 CONNECT tools continued to perform smoothly and confidently under continuous water exposure, reinforcing that they are built for the harsh, real-world conditions crews face on scene. 

The result was clear: HURST tools aren’t just powerful; they’re engineered for the realities of rescue, wherever the call takes crews.