The BARC NW Rescue Unit recently took delivery of new rescue equipment, thanks to the continued investment and support from BARC NW Centre. The existing Holmatro CORE (COaxial Rescue Equipment) technology tools have been superseded by Holmatro's Pentheon Series: hydraulic rescue tools that are miles ahead of all other rescue equipment on the market.

As vehicle construction improves to remove weaknesses that rescue tools could exploit it is necessary to continually monitor the capabilities of the rescue equipment that is carried. The BARC NW crew has been monitoring the move to battery-powered tools for a few years now. Battery-operated tools offer a number of advantages in a rescue environment, however, they are not without their weaknesses, but the team felt that the technology has improved to the point where now is the right time to upgrade.

A live rescue scene can be a hazardous environment and the safety of all involved is the number one priority. Hydraulic rescue tools are life-saving equipment used to gain access to a casualty and create the space needed to extricate them safely. However, a hydraulic pump introduces noise and hydraulic hoses to that environment, making it difficult to communicate with the casualty and each other, and adding a trip hazard or two. The opportunity of removing these from the equation was a key driver in the move to battery-operated tools.

Holmatro has been the number one rescue tool supplier for years due to its innovative tools and BARC NW Rescue was an early adopter. By combining hydraulics with ease of use, the battery-operated Pentheon Series tools deserve that first place even more than ever. The tools offer unrestrained performance, unparalleled speed, and ultimate control.

An obvious consideration in moving away from the petrol-powered hydraulic pump was the battery-life of the new tools. However, Holmatro's Pentheon range is way ahead of the competition on that score and the motor even stops automatically when the tools are not used, saving valuable battery capacity. Battery management is made easy with self-regulated on-tool charging - batteries on the tool charge ahead of those on the charger.

Another area that was scrutinised was the performance and speed of the tool. The Pentheon range outperforms its predecessors by a considerable margin. Like their predecessors, they have a two-mode control handle allowing the operator to choose between high and low speeds. They also have patented technology which maximises the speed at any tool load.

LED indicators on the tools, batteries and chargers provide real-time feedback on tool temperature, max. pressure reached, battery temperature, battery state of charge and battery state of health.

Should the need arise Pentheon tools can be used while being fully submerged in water!

The team first used the tools at the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation Challenge hosted by West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service in Birmingham in October 2022. Their performance at this event convinced the team that now was the time to upgrade and are grateful to the NW Centre Committee for supporting the investment. Whilst the crew always hopes that the tools don't need to be used, it is reassuring to have the knowledge that, if they are required, the team has the best kit available.