A U.S. Department of Homeland Security report found that LUKAS rescue tools (branded as HURST in the USA) rank #1 in battery-powered rescue tools for vehicle extrication. The S789-E3 Cutter and SP555-E3 Spreader in the e3 series were the top performers among those tested.
In the competitive world of rescue tools, LUKAS continues to set the global benchmark for excellence. The results of a federal report conducted by the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program provide undeniable proof of their dominance.
The report, Battery-Powered Rescue Tools for Vehicle Extrication, ranked the HURST/LUKAS rescue tools as the best-performing among all tested. The study included two e3 products—the S789-E3 Cutter and SP555-E3 Spreader. Both tools ranked at the top in critical categories like capability, usability, and maintainability, validating the global reputation of LUKAS as the quintessential provider for emergency responders.
The SAVER report provides a comprehensive assessment of battery-powered rescue tools based on five critical categories: capability, usability, affordability, maintainability, and deployability. The focus group behind this assessment included nine seasoned emergency responders, each with at least 15 years of experience. Over three days they meticulously tested several leading brands at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground in Michigan.
In terms of capability, the S789-E3 Cutter and SP555-E3 Spreader consistently outperformed their competitors across nearly every category including battery performance, durability, and cutting power.
Summary of Report Findings:
- The S789-E3 Cutter has “box style” blades designed to compress and cut metal without the tool pivoting or the operator being pulled into the vehicle.
- The design ensures maximum efficiency while keeping the operator safe.
- The cutter and spreader were lauded for their long battery life, often operating for over an hour under heavy use.
- The LUKAS batteries also received praise for their rapid recharge times and resistance to overheating, ensuring these tools remain operational in the harshest conditions.
The ability to operate efficiently, even in extreme scenarios like submerged rescue operations or vehicle rollovers, sets LUKAS apart from competitors. This level of reliability, durability, and power is essential for emergency responders who rely on these tools in life-or-death situations.
Usability is another category in which the LUKAS rescue tools excelled. This category evaluated ergonomics, ease of use, portability, and compatibility with personal protective equipment (PPE).
Summary of Report Findings:
- The S789-E3 Cutter and SP555-E3 Spreader were praised for their ergonomic design and intuitive controls.
- The star grip valve was well received because it enabled operators to use it with minimal effort, even when wearing full PPE.
- The SP555-E3 was commended for its balance, making it easy to carry and use, even in tight or awkward spaces.
LED lights and visual displays integrated into the tools ensure that operators can easily monitor the status of the battery and other critical functions during operation. The tools are designed to be usable in low-visibility conditions, enhancing operational efficiency.
Maintenance is another crucial consideration for emergency response agencies. The LUKAS rescue tools led the way in maintainability scoring with high numbers based on the evaluator’s feedback. This category included criteria related to routine maintenance, customer service, and warranty coverage; with the same world-class service offering available to Australian and New Zealand customers of PT Rescue, to ensure that rescue and emergency service agencies can keep their equipment in optimal condition and keep maintenance and service costs to a minimum.
The SAVER report solidifies LUKAS / HURST as the top choice for extrication tools across the globe. The unmatched performance in capability, usability, and maintainability demonstrates why LUKAS continues to lead the industry worldwide.
For more information about the LUKAS e3 rescue tool range click here