An Overview of the Genesis SLi Line of Extrication Tools

In the world of rescue operations, having the appropriate equipment can make all the difference. Milwaukee’s versatile 18V battery system powers the cutting-edge SLi line of rescue tools from Genesis Rescue Systems. This new line offers first responders a variety of features aimed to improve efficiency, safety, and usability.

Genesis Rescue Extrication tools are also Berry compliant, making them a great option for military use. Military units can use genesis extrication equipment to quickly gain access to closed-off spaces, eliminating roadblocks that could get in the way of your mission. Learn more about military extrication equipment.

Versatility and Power in Genesis SLi Tools

One of the Genesis SLI tools’ most notable features is their compatibility with Milwaukee’s widely available (M18) 18V batteries, which are available in a variety of power options. This makes it easier for first responders to keep their equipment powered throughout operations and ensures that users can quickly and easily switch batteries between rescue tools and other hand tools.

Genesis SLi Advanced Pump Technology

The new SLi line of extrication tools features a groundbreaking three-stage pump system. Similar to changing gears on a bike, this technology allows for quick adjustments between three power settings. While the first stage prioritizes speed for prompt deployment, the third stage offers more controlled power. This adaptability lowers power consumption and improves the overall efficiency and effectiveness of rescue efforts.

Durable and Waterproof Tool Design

The Genesis SLi tools have an IP68 rating and are built to withstand extreme conditions, including inclement weather and submersion in water thanks to their strong back cover. Strict third-party testing reinforces this durability, ensuring compliance with the NFPA drop test standards.

Ergonomic and Safe Handling With SLi Tools

An important factor in the design of the Genesis SLi tools is ergonomics. The collapsible and rotating handle allows for easy use, reducing the physical strain placed on first responders’ bodies during extensive operations. The control valve is designed for fine motor skills, allowing for precise control of the tools functions while minimizing fatigue.

EForce Genesis Rescue Tools Rocker Switch Control

All EForce Genesis Rescue Tools come complete with our rocker switch control. The rocker switch control makes use of fine muscle movements as opposed to gross muscle movements when using standard “twist” controllers. This enables the user to feather the power of the tool, easily repositioning the tool safely for cutting or spreading, and avoiding possible pinching or trapping of the user’s hand.

The rocker switch control on Genesis Rescue Tools allows for greater safety to the operator and patient by allowing control of the tool with only one finger if need be.  This gives the user the ability to keep appendages safe while still having total control over the tool. Traditional twist style controllers require that the operator’s entire hand is gripped tightly on the tool, and this puts that hand in danger of being crushed between the surface and tool with no way to release the power of the tool, effectively trapping the appendage.

Variable Speed For Genesis Tools

The Genesis rocker switch control is a variable speed controller. Lightly depressing the button will feather the speed at which the tool opens and closes. The more you depress the button the faster the tool operates.

Fine vs. Gross Muscle Movements

When feathering the power of the tool, the push button control makes use of fine muscle movements in the fingers to control how fast the tool operates. In situation where a patient’s appendage is trapped, this ultimate control can become a tremendous advantage. Traditional “twist” style controllers make use of larger muscles located in the forearm, this can lead to gross muscle movements which can place rescue personnel as a severe disadvantage.

Forged Blades For Genesis Extrication Tools

Understanding forging vs. machining extrication tool blades. We invest greatly in the engineering process of our cutter blades before we ever begin the forging process. This means that our blades have been tested rigorously before we produce the “die” that will hammer out our blades. Unlike machined blades, (machined blades can be redesigned on the fly if the design fails) forged blades require an extensive up-front investment, detailed research and development, and superior overall quality. You can rest assured that from the first to the last cut, Genesis Rescue blades will perform as hard as you do.

At Genesis Rescue Systems we believe the blade of the cutter is the most significant part of the tool. it is for this reason; we use a manufacturing process that produces the strongest, most reliable blade available. This manufacturing process begins above steels recrystallization temperature. When the steel reaches this optimal temperature the forging process can begin. Unlike other metal manufacturing processes, forging produces a work piece with superior strength and durability, all qualities rescue personnel, the Genesis family, and the Howell Rescue System’s family live by.

Why not machined or cast blades?

The forging process produces greater consistency, quality, and hardness of the metal. Casting may be a more economic means of producing blades – a cast will cost 50% less to manufacture than forged blades, but the downside to casting is the material is pured into a mold and this can trap bubbles in the material. Bubbles in the material create weak points in the metal. These weak points can lead to broken blades, which in turn can lead to additional injury on the scene.

Machined cutter blades may be more susceptible to fatigue and stress because machining cuts the steels grain pattern. Cutting the grain pattern can create “stress risers,” these imperfections can cause cracks in the blades causing the blade to break and possibly lead to injury. Forging creates a grain structure oriented to the blade, resulting in optimum strength and resistance to stress and fatigue.

NXTgen Blades

The cutting performance of any cutting blade begins with a sharp edge. it was with this thought; Genesis Rescue Systems set out to engineer and manufacture a solution to degraded cutting performance due to the rounding of the blade edge. Without sacrificing quality we created the NXTgen Blade Insert.

As a manufacturer of rescue tools we must be prepared for any materials rescue personnel encounter on scene. This material in some cases is harder than the material used in the manufacturing of traditional cutter blades, which can lead to blade damage. NXTgen Blade Inserts are manufactured with unique high strength alloys that maintain the tools ability to cut Boron and UHSS without damaging expensive blades. Thus giving our cutters equipped with NXTgen technology an edge on new vehicles safety standards. Not only can these blades perform, but NXTgen blades can be replaced in 2 minutes.

To prevent unintentional operation of the tools, the SLi line also includes a safety feature that ensures the tool stops moving when the operator releases the control.

Understanding Genesis Extrication Tools Force

Your choice of rescue tools is a complicated decision. UHSS requires an enormous amount of compression force to cause it to catastrophically crack or shatter. The cutter does not actually cut the UHSS material. UHSS material has very similar properties to that of glass, as it is extremely hard, but very brittle. As you watch a cutter cut UHSS materials, you can see this concept by listening for the “crack” of the UHSS bars as they are cut. The enormous amount of pressure it takes to “crack” the bars is where hydraulic cutters don’t measure up. All except for the full line of Genesis Boron Capable cutters.

NFPA 1936 and NFPA Cut Ratings Explained

LFS and NFPA 1936

Lowest Spreading Force (LSF) will prove to be the most important number when evaluating and comparing spreaders. All spreaders, from all manufacturers increase in power as the arms open. LSF is produced at the beginning of the spread and remains steady until the arms are near the full open position, where the force then rises substantially to the HSF (Highest Spreading Force). Since most spreading operations requiring high spreading force are performed within the first 10 inches of opening, the LSF will be the mot important number to consider. Do not focus on a sales technique the emphasizes HSF!

Usable Spreading Force

This is where most extrications begin! Gaining access by using the spreader to pry the vehicle doors open requires the tips of the spreader to start at their weakest position, or Lowest Spreading Force (LSF). As the spreader opens it gains leverage and the spreading force increases exponentially. The problem is that as the vehicle door begins to separate it actually requires less force to continue to open. Therefore, the most important force when choosing spreaders is actually the NFPA 1936 “LSF” rating number.

More Power Up Front

What does “Power Up Front” mean? It means Genesis spreaders have more power at the beginning of the spread, where you need it most. Genesis Spreaders start at a much higher spreading force than our competition. This is critical when choosing a spreader, because it gives rescue personnel more power when starting the extrication.

Published NFPA Numbers

When choosing rescue tools, NFPA has done much of the work for you. Genesis publishes the NFPA 1936 test results for all our tools, certified by TUV, our third party testing organization, recognized by NFPA. We test all of our equipment which lets our customers compare any of our tools performance against other NFPA certified rescue tools. This practice allows departments to compare rescue tools on and “apples-to-apples” basis.

Maximum Cutting Force

Maximum cutting force is NOT an NFPA number. Why? If you look at the illustrations below, you will see two sets of blades. One set is just about to close completely. The other set has overlapped. maximum cutting force is a calculated force, not a measured force. Therefore maximum cutting force depends on where the blades are when you calculate the force generated. You can calculate the force when the blades just start to close (Example 1), or you can calculate the maximum force when the blades have stopped moving and overlap each other (Example 2). Genesis Rescue chooses to provide end users with a realistic cutting force, as opposed to claiming our tools cut at a maximum force, that is only obtainable after the material has been cut. The NFPA standard realizes this and therefore has developed a real life test that enables them to test tools on an even basis.

Learn more about the NFPA cut rating sytem.

Innovative Tool Dashboard Technology

The SLi line of rescue tools feature advanced dashboards that enhance usability and safety:

• Maintenance Light: Signals when service is needed, encouraging proactive maintenance.
• Max Pressure Indicator: Alerts users when the tool has reached its maximum pressure in order to prevent unnecessary battery usage.
• Lockout Feature: This geo-fencing technology alerts users if the rescue tool moves beyond a set range, allowing for shutdown to prevent theft.
• Training Mode: Allows the tool to operate at a reduced speed for training purposes, allowing for safer learning experiences for firefighters and first responders.

Contact Howell Rescue Today

The SLi line of rescue tools from Genesis is a game-changer for first responders, offering tools that are versatile, powerful, and built with the user in mind. Enhance the safety and efficiency of your operations with Genesis Rescue equipment.

Interested in learning more about the new SLi line of Genesis extrication tools? Contact Howell Rescue today to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales professionals.