Revolutionizing First Response: Jarrell Inventor's Rescue Device Enhances Life-Saving Efforts

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

When people ask Charles Ashby what inspired his HandsFree Extractor invention, he will say he wishes it were a more interesting story. “I would love to say that I was on the 14th floor of a high-rise building and sprang into action [to save someone’s life], but that’s not the way it happened. I was sitting on a recliner watching an old Western and had a thought about how firefighters save people.”

A former president of the Williamson County ESD #5 / Jarrell Fire Department Board, Charles would review training videos showing firefighters how to rescue victims from crisis situations by grabbing them under their arms and dragging them out of harm’s way. “It’s the same way a caveman would have drug someone.

...Typically you’re going backwards and can’t do anything with your hands or eyes. Too many times, the rescuer becomes a victim.”

So Charles decided to create a device that would provide a better way to save lives.

"SWISS ARMY KNIFE"

Designed to help first responders remove victims from harm's way as fast as possible, the Hands-Free Extractor (HFE) also called the “Jefe,” is a light, compact tool that allows rescuers to attach themselves to victims and pull them to safety, while keeping their hands free and moving in any direction.

While he designed the HFE with firefighters in mind, Charles calls it the Swiss Army knife of rescue tools since it can be used for various purposes. “I have pulled two calves out of their mamas with this thing. You can use it if you have a dog that gets hurt, or as an animal drag for hunters. If you have a felled tree, you can use this to pull it out of the way.”

INVENTION JOURNEY

Charles’ innovative venture has led him to trade shows all over the U.S., where he has met many first responders who are grateful for his life-saving invention. “I went to a Navy Seal reunion that wanted to see this in action. One guy said, ‘God, where’s this been? This is a game changer.’”

Former Jarrell Fire Chief Mark McAdams agrees, calling the HFE a versatile tool for firefighters whenever they find themselves in dangerous environments. Each Jarrell firefighter now has a HFE, and Charles says he looks forward to helping them with their training “on the numerous ways it can benefit them and their victims. I certainly hope they never have to use the HFE, but if they do, I know it will save time, energy, and lives. Then I look forward to getting the HFE to all first responders, law enforcement, and the military, nationwide.”

Visit handsFreeExtractor.com to learn more about the HFE. The website is currently being revamped but will be active soon.