A power operated portable cutting tool for rescue work. A cutting head comprises first and second jaw members, each jaw member having a cutting edge portion adjacent one end and a shank portion adjacent the other end. The jaw members are pivotally attached together about an axis of pivot generally intermediate their ends so that the cutting edge portions are generally opposing, and so that pivoting the shank portions apart pivots the cutting edge portions of the jaw members closed. A hydraulic cylinder and piston are mounted between the shank portions of the jaw members along an axis generally transverse to the axis of pivot of the jaw members. A handle connects the tool to a hydraulic fluid supply line and to a hydraulic fluid return line. Hydraulic fluid is selectively applied to the cylinder to extend the piston and close the jaw members. The jaw members are spring biased to retract the piston and open the jaw members.
