Holmatro keeps abreast of changes which affect rescue operations

At the scene of an accident, when every precious minute counts, there is no time for second guessing about the safest and best way to extricate a victim.

Under such circumstances, one cannot afford keep rescue tools that aren't designed to cope with today's vehicles.

That's why Holmatro is a world leader in keeping pace with all of the new complexities and risks presented to rescuers by safety features in today's vehicles.

New hard materials such as HSLA-steel, boron steel, micro-alloy steel and composite materials, frame construction, and proliferation of specially designed and placed airbags are among the many safety features that confront rescue personnel with new and ongoing complexities.

Car manufacturers, highly attuned to market forces, now develop and promote advanced safety features as an integral part of their marketing strategy. Manufacturers have also incorporated an array of lighter, yet more rigid materials in order to meet international crash resistance and fuel economy standards, while improving manufacturing efficiencies at the same time.

Most of these are positive developments - lives are being saved and serious injuries reduced. Instead of being crushed, tossed about inside or thrown from a vehicle in an accident, occupants are now protected by restraint systems, crumple zones, structural barriers and a wide variety of airbag designs.

At the scene of an accident though, the very systems that protect occupants make their extrication, at best, more complex and, at worst, hazardous. Entrapment becomes more likely and injuries may have a different character, making extrication even more delicate than before.

Now rescuers need all the most up-to-date tools at hand -both informational and operational - to understand the risks and meet the challenges of today's safer cars.

By working in tandem with automobile designers and manufacturers, Holmatro leads the industry in staying current with changes that affect rescue operations. A key ingredient of its corporate culture, continuous and careful study of car design is the driving force both in how Holmatro tools are designed, as well as how that comprehensive knowledge is shared with the people who use the tools and face these new complexities in rescue situations.

Holmatro's in-depth knowledge of new developments and hands-on involvement in rescue problems means that Holmatro products and solutions are the most advanced and effective rescue tools available.

Hydraulic cutters - among other crucial factors are blade design and blade material. Recently Holmatro introduced its new line of NCT (New Car Technology) hydraulic cutters. Through their unique 90-degree blade shape these NCT cutters offer superior performance on modern vehicle materials and constructions.

Apart from a very controlled and smooth cutting action with little rest energy (read: no parts flying away after cutting), this cutter range needs less pressure (force) than conventional cutters to cut modern vehicles. The result: A lot more excess capacity for what future vehicle developments might bring.

Hydraulic spreaders - New materials and construction methods make it harder to find suitable purchase points for a spreader. Apart from spreading force, grip and ease of control are of vital importance. Tip design, tool balance and ease of use have to ensure a rescuer is able to apply force where it needs to be applied, not where a spreader allows a rescuer to apply it.

Hydraulic combitools - A combitool, like a cutter or spreader, should offer sufficient cutting and spreading performance to deal with new materials. At the same time the arm and tip design should be suitable for tiny insertion spaces.

Hydraulic rams - High pushing forces and special cross head designs for grip are needed to push away reinforced dashboard areas. Ram supports are essential.

Airbag covers - To protect rescuers and victims against non-activated airbags, the effects of an unexpected airbag activation have to be neutralised.

What is needed is an airbag cover that can be applied within seconds, is strong enough for all airbags and protects rescuer and victim against loose parts of the steering wheel and chemical gasses. It should also be resistant to the high temperatures of the gasses which are released upon activation.

Stabilisation systems and other accessories - Extricating a victim is not becoming any easier, especially without the right equipment and accessories. Stabilisation equipment and accessories may enhance safety and reduce the time it takes to extricate a victim.

Rescuers should carefully consider whether their present rescue tools are up to the difficult tasks ahead.

Holmatro has chosen Alaa Industrial Equipment Factory (AFI) as its sole distributor for Holmatro products in the region. AFI's core competency in hydraulics has made it a market leader in hydraulics tools and equipment.

With its network of branches within Saudi Arabia and the GCC, AFI ensures a smooth distribution network and technical expertise to the customers anywhere, any time.

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