HOC is an ergonomic cutting tool designed in collaboration with the professional rescue personnel of the Umeå fire department. The main focus of the project was to improve safety and ergonomics for fire fighters in rescue situations through a user-centred design process.

HOC is an ergonomic cutting tool designed in collaboration with the professional rescue personnel of the fire brigade in Umeå, Sweden. The project involved extensive research and continuous feedback from the rescue personnel. Research showed that existing hydraulic cutting tools are designed for industrial use – not for rescue operations. For this reason, they lack ease of use in highly demanding rescue operations where flexibility is key. HOC has been designed specifically for these situations, where every second counts.

Most of the operator-related injuries occur because of the difficulty of using the existing tools. Ergonomics is important to the design of power tools to prevent wrist-related injuries such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The challenge was to prevent these injuries by providing for ergonomic and safe victim extrication for both rescue personnel and the victim, while still allowing the efficient use of the tool under time pressure.

During the user studies, many fire fighters pointed out the discomfort of their tools. HOC solves the problem of poor ergonomics by adapting itself to the rescue personnel’s needs. It has been designed to ensure the safety of the rescue personnel by providing improved physical and cognitive ergonomics and higher flexibility. Using a rotating handle, HOC allows the user’s wrist to follow the natural flow of the forearm preventing twists/injuries and increasing usability. The hose connection rotates as the tool is rotated which increases the flexibility of the tool. By prolonging endurance, rescue personnel can achieve faster and safer victim extrications.