Believe it or not, technology touches every facet of fire and emergency services today. It often seems like technology moves so fast it is hard to keep up, and staying at the top of the curve can be tough. In the world of extrication equipment, Holmatro has stayed at the top of that curve by continually innovating.
One example is Holmatro’s Pentheon tool line. As a leader in extrication tool design and engineering, Holmatro has built the Pentheon line to offer efficient and reliable tools that can be used where corded tools cannot and still meet the diverse needs of modern extrication operations. “Simply put, the absolute portability,” is how Dave Schroeder, captain, Pacific Gas and Electric Company describes the advantage of Pentheon tools. “There is no setup for pumps and hoses,” he says. “Instant use. Working in an industrial facility, we have to go in far. We can take these tools anywhere. After 25 years, I’m not impressed by much. At our initial training, my jaw hit the floor, and that’s a good feeling. And, it feels good when your department buys you the best tools available.” Commenting further on the portability, Chief Steve Feinberg, North Charleston (SC) Fire Department, says, “Our rescue companies tend to go to the Pentheon very quickly because of the ease of getting it off the apparatus. It’s not tethered like our old system. If they can’t get the apparatus close to the accident scene, they can get the tool to it.”
Ensuring tool availability is where Holmatro stays at the top of the technology curve. Serviceability and real-time monitoring are critical to ensuring the tools are ready to go when needed and perform at their highest levels during use. To that end, next-gen Pentheon tools offer advanced connectivity allowing you to have insights at your fingertips. The next-gen Pentheon Series integrates Bluetooth connectivity and the intuitive MyHolmatro app, transforming mobile devices into tool extensions. First responders can access real-time tool diagnostics, monitor battery and tool conditions, and ensure their equipment is ready for any challenge. Serviceability is paramount in the next-gen Pentheon equipment, with easy maintenance and monitoring features. Using the MyHolmatro app, rescuers can perform an automated, comprehensive Pentheon Self Check, assessing the tool’s drive system, speed, pressure, and battery health. This feature is instrumental in keeping the tools ready for immediate use, reducing downtime and enhancing reliability.
Once the tools are optimized for performance, it’s time to put them to use on the fireground or rescue scene. The next-gen Pentheon Series offers a dual-mode operation, featuring a reduced speed training/demo mode alongside the high-speed Pentheon mode. The reduced speed setting is ideal for training scenarios, ensuring safety and skill development. The Pentheon mode provides full-speed operation for swift extrication in rescue situations. Feinberg adds, “Our engine companies carry the smaller Pentheon 50 combi tool. They can readily use that when they pull up on scene; they can access security bars. The RIT team can take a Pentheon tool for rapid movement around a structure.” Schroeder’s department was an existing Holmatro customer and when it was time to update the department’s equipment, it went right to Holmatro to see what was brand new and was introduced to the Pentheon line. “The tools were lightning quick,” he says.
