Doniphan County Fire District #2 Firefighters

Specific Need

The DCFD#2 Firefighters are looking to purchase a new set of battery powered extrication tools.

We currently have a set of Hydraulic pump powered extrication tools. However, for the reasons stated below, we believe the new battery powered tools will greatly benefit our extrication responses and results, the communities and people we serve, and the people traveling through.

Reasons:

Stronger cutting and opening force.

Our current set is not strong enough to cut through some of the newer metal alloys in the newer cars. This can and will cause significant delays on extrication where precious minutes and seconds can and do count, or even prevent us from an extrication until we can source a more powerful solution.

Improved mobility and maneuverability.

With this new set being battery powered, we are no longer tethered to a hydraulic pump and hydraulic hoses. They will be easier to maneuver and/or get into spaces our current set will not allow: the hydraulic hoses are not long enough, the hoses potentially getting cut, and/or get in the way. We can also use the tools at different sides of the vehicle or in different areas of the scene at the same time, as we are not teathered to or limited due to the length of the hydraulic hoses.

Faster opening and closing times.

The new battery powered tools take approximately 15 seconds to open and close fully, compared to our older set which takes about 45 seconds to open and close fully. Again, potentially saving us precious time where minutes and seconds can and do count.

Lessens clutter around the scene.

With this new set being battery powered, we will not have a hydraulic pump and hoses underfoot or right in the way of our extrication.

Faster setup speed.

1 or 2 firefighters carry the tools to the scene, as you are walking to the scene slip the battery into the tools, twist the handle and the new tools are operational. With the old set, 2 to 4 firefighters carry the tools, the hydraulic pump, and the hoses to the scene. Once at the scene you must start the pump, which is pull start and sometimes takes multiple attempts to start, attach the hoses to both the pump and to the tools, then twist the handle to be operational. Again, saving precious minutes and seconds which can and do count.

Additional/improved lighting.

The new tools have lights built in, so we would not have to rely on flashlights or portable lights right where we are trying to work. Again, helping with maneuverability and clearing up clutter and extra personnel that could be in the way.

Replaceable batteries.

The set we are looking at will use Milwaukee batteries, which if needed we can swap out with other Milwaukee tools we have, and source new/replacement batteries locally. Some of the other sets we have looked at require proprietary batteries that are expensive and potentially hard to come by when a replacement/spare is needed.

Lifetime Warranty.

The manufacture provides a “Forever Warranty” as standard on their tools.