Which tool is commonly used to spread the vehicle's frame apart during rescue?

Hydraulic spreaders, often referred to as "Jaws of Life," are specifically designed to create space in a vehicle’s structure during a rescue operation. This tool operates using hydraulic pressure to expand and separate the vehicle's frame and components, allowing rescuers to access trapped individuals more safely and effectively. The design of the spreaders allows for significant force to be applied in a controlled manner, which is essential for working on the often rigid frame of modern vehicles.

Utilizing hydraulic spreaders is vital in scenarios where victims may be pinned or trapped by the vehicle's structure, since they can maneuver into tight spaces and apply outward force with precision. This capability is crucial in extricating individuals from high-stress situations, ensuring both their safety and the efficiency of the rescue operation.

While other tools listed play important roles in vehicle rescues, they serve different functions. For instance, pneumatic hammers are typically used for breaking apart materials rather than spreading them, rotary cutters are effective for cutting through metal but not for creating space, and folding saws are generally used for trimming or cutting less sturdy materials. Therefore, hydraulic spreaders are the optimal choice for spreading apart a vehicle's frame during rescues.