STRONGARM

Jaws of life Combination Tool

/ SUMMER 2025
/ USER RESEARCH
/ HAND RENDERING
/ SURFACE MODELING

In high-stakes rescue situations, every second counts. Firefighters rely on their gear not just to work - but to work quickly and reliably under extreme pressure to rescue car crash victims trapped in their cars. The Jaws of Life tool relies on hydraulic pressure most commonly to cut through car frames and doors, bust open windows, and spread apart collapsed areas of vehicles to create paths of escape.

This tool is one of the most powerful assets on a rescue truck, but it's also one of the most physically demanding. The current
designs of Jaws of Life tools on the market are often bulky and primitive, with straight bars that are difficult to maneuver at different angles and cylindrical bodies which may fit internals, but don’t necessarily always have the user interaction in mind.

Through this redesign, I focus on the human experience behind the tool. Giving better areas for grip, adding adjustable parts, analyzing each step of the extrication process. This design will better act as an extension of the body, making use more intuitive and helping firefighters do what they do best - making split-second decisions that save lives.

I was able to work with a few different fire stations around Cincinnati throughout this design process, going through a round of interviews with the firefighters about what a typical rescue might look like.

“NO TWO RESCUES ARE THE SAME. YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GONNA SEE ROLLING UP [TO A SCENE].”

They were clear about having to be prepared for anything, and how important it is to keep up with constant training on all equipment to stay sharp and confident in moments of stress. Based on current experience with their tools and how they affect the extrication procedure, I was able to compile three areas of focus.

BULK AND WEIGHT COMPACTNESSAccessing tight spaces for extraction - tools must be as compact as possible to fit into crevices, must be easy to carry to different rescue sites like ditches or up ladders.

BASIC DESIGN INTUITIVE USECut down on rescue time when providing maximum control over a tool. Reduce the need to readjust and figure out your next steps - user is able to focus on task at hand.

LIMITING FORMS VERSATILITY Tool must be easy to use at any angle, able to perform in any scenario, and be adjustable to fit the needs of every unique case.

CREATIVE INSPIRATION

OBLONG GRIP
Secure but versatile front hold

LARGE GRIP AREA

Provides different holding positions

THROTTLE HANDLE
Simple and easy speed change

I conducted a week and a half of research on different hydraulic systems and each component’s application in emergency extrication tools. This was useful in creating certain parameters for size and form of the overall tool.

Linked here is the report written from all information gathered during this period.

Pictured on the left is a basic hydraulic system, later used to model internals on the combination tool.

STRONGARM

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/ GRIP POSITIONS

/ INTERNAL CMF

/ GRIP POSITIONS

Darya Tsoy

tsoyda@mail.uc.edu

(513) 739-5670