Anyone carry a Resqme?

[TheOtherLeft]

I spotted this the other day and think it looks like a really cool tool to carry around.

http://www.resqme.com/

Does anyone carry one of these, or are there better equivalent tool? I like the fact you can carry it on your key ring as oppossed to having it mounted in 1 vehicle only.

 

[Corey]

Yes I do, it is hooked to my key chain for my rig.

I bought five of them from Amazon a few Xmas's back for stocking stuffers, and also gave one to the UPS guy that brings me all of my toys.

They are great as they can cut both a seat belt and break your window.

Here is a pic for size comparison.
You get use to the bulk of it in your pocket after awhile.

 

[HenryJ]

I carry a Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife with me all the time.

We bought one for each of the firefighters. I already had one in my truck and a personal carry too.

Rope cutting serrated blade, Prybar, clothing cutter and window punch. Big buttons and easy one handed deploy.

 

[jcbrandon]

Cool stuff.

I'm curious about the real-world usefulness of these sorts of car rescue tools. (The Gerber firefighters' knife is pretty easy to understand.) I usually see the rescue hammer sort of things purchased as an impulse or gift item. And the ResQMe tool is specifically marketed this way.

So these tools seem to be all about selling "peace of mind." Nothing wrong with that. But are they really useful?

Unfortunately, I have never needed to pull an unconscious super model from a burning Lamborghini. So I don't have any experience with breaking car windows or cutting seat belts. But I think I'm equipped should the need come along. I've got a big ol' D-cell flashlight and at least two decent knives within easy reach of the drivers seat of my truck. And since I use these tools frequently, I know where to reach for them without thinking about it. So I've got peace of mind covered, at least in my mind.

But what if I'm wrong? Does anyone have any real-world experience with using one of these task-specific rescue tools? I'm mostly interested in hearing from civilians like myself. You folks that are trained emergency services professionals are in a class by yourselves.

 

[Corey]

The cool thing about the one that goes on the keychain is it is within easy reach since it is in your ignition.

If you were to end upside down or in water, pull your keys out, pull the blade section out, and cut your belt.
I can attest that the blade is sharp, I have cut a few things at work with it.
I took it to one of our monthly safety monitor meetings that I attend.

The window breaker section is a no brainer.
Rest the end up against glass, then push the whole gizmo inward.
Spring activated.

I have not broke glass with it though.
It would be cool if a junkyard would let me demo the thing on a beater.

 

[dzzz]

Does the resqme knife meet airline carry on requirements? I need something like this, but I've accidentally tried to take knives onto airplanes too many times.

 

[dzzz]

Cool stuff.

I'm curious about the real-world usefulness of these sorts of car rescue tools. (The Gerber firefighters' knife is pretty easy to understand.) I usually see the rescue hammer sort of things purchased as an impulse or gift item. And the ResQMe tool is specifically marketed this way.

So these tools seem to be all about selling "peace of mind." Nothing wrong with that. But are they really useful?

Unfortunately, I have never needed to pull an unconscious super model from a burning Lamborghini. So I don't have any experience with breaking car windows or cutting seat belts. But I think I'm equipped should the need come along. I've got a big ol' D-cell flashlight and at least two decent knives within easy reach of the drivers seat of my truck. And since I use these tools frequently, I know where to reach for them without thinking about it. So I've got peace of mind covered, at least in my mind.

But what if I'm wrong? Does anyone have any real-world experience with using one of these task-specific rescue tools? I'm mostly interested in hearing from civilians like myself. You folks that are trained emergency services professionals are in a class by yourselves.

This tool is to rescue yourself. I guess you haven't been in an accident where the doors are jammed closed. It takes a lot of force swinging a flashlight to break safety glass. And that's assuming nobody has borrowed the flashlight.

Even unhurt an accident that jams the doors is disorienting. I expect when firefighters get in this type of accident in their own vehicle they get out as fast as they can.

 

[HenryJ]

I have not personally tried the Resqme. I have practiced with the Gerber Hinderer, a spring loaded center punch, flashlight, tire iron and a couple of the hammer style window punches. The spring loaded metalworkers center punch works great. The Hinderer too. The tire iron and light bounced off several times before we broke a window. We broke one of the cheap hammer type tools that you see "As seen on TV". The other worked ok after a few tries. A pick head axe works great I wouldn't hesitate to pop a window with the hilt of the Hinderer though.

Trying to break a window with a Maglight takes lots of effort. Most times more than is really practical. The hard sharp point is what you need.

The easiest way to release someone from a seatbelt, is the latch. Law enforcement prefers it too as they like to inspect belts and know if they were being used in the accident. Lots of questions are asked if you cut the belts.

As for the windows. Try to roll them down first. The glass mess hinders operations.

I have cut belts from patients a couple times. I have punched a few rear windows when opening a top for extrication. Most often the cutter pops the window when you cut the "C" post. A pick head axe does the job sometimes too, since we need to punch a hole to cut the windshield anyway.

Having a tool is better than not. You will have the keys so you will have that tool. I don't see it as a bad idea. Better than trying to kick out a window for sure!
I could see it working in a rescue situation. How about this scenario: Car in a canal or lake. Victim unconcious (diabetic or cardiac). You dive in to rescue. Doors are held by water pressure or sides of canal. You need to pop the rear or side window. The rear window is preferred as it will not shower glass on the victim. Jumping out of you vehicle you take your key ring tool.
I could see it working.

That scenario happens more often that you might think. I can recall a couple in the last few years around here. I don't know what they used to break the window. It probably wasn't that tool or we would have heard it mentioned.

 

[6Pins]

Trying to break a window with a Maglight takes lots of effort. Most times more than is really practical. The hard sharp point is what you need.

.

took me two good swings with a D-cell mag light before the back window shattered last time I tried. Not easy, but an average guy should be able to do it.

 

[TheOtherLeft]

I carry a Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife with me all the time.

We bought one for each of the firefighters. I already had one in my truck and a personal carry too.

Rope cutting serrated blade, Prybar, clothing cutter and window punch. Big buttons and easy one handed deploy.

I like these too, but here in Australia the Police/Security don't take kindly to people carry knives around, hence the resqme.

 

[HenryJ]

I like these too, but here in Australia the Police/Security don't take kindly to people carry knives around, hence the resqme.

Good point. The problem at an airport with a knife is another good reason for an alternative.
Is there someone here that knows if the Resqme would pass post 9-11 security in an airport?
I haven't seen them showing up at the federal surplus yet, so I don't know. Rumor has it that they are offering some leniency lately. Your nail clippers might be ok?

 

[Curmudgeon]

So these tools seem to be all about selling "peace of mind." Nothing wrong with that. But are they really useful?

You've hit the nail squarely on the head. Their usefulness is mostly a fantasy. Bling!

In almost 30 years as a cop I went to a lot of crash scenes. I had to cut a seat belt a grand total of ONE time, and I did that with a tiny Swiss Army knife, the one they call the Classic. It has about a 2" blade and worked just fine. I never ran across a seat belt that wouldn't open at the buckle. In that one case I just couldn't get to it.

That being said, if it makes you feel better, safer, or more macho by all means carry one. It can never hurt and is only a very slight inconvenience. There is always the possibility that you may be the rare person whose survival will depend on this little tool. But if those are the kind of odds you are playing, you have a much greater chance of being saved by wearing a helmet and body armor while driving. Far more people die from head/chest injuries than because they couldn't release their seat belt.

JP

 

[BIGdaddy]

You've hit the nail squarely on the head. Their usefulness is mostly a fantasy. Bling!

In almost 30 years as a cop I went to a lot of crash scenes. I had to cut a seat belt a grand total of ONE time, and I did that with a tiny Swiss Army knife, the one they call the Classic. It has about a 2" blade and worked just fine. I never ran across a seat belt that wouldn't open at the buckle. In that one case I just couldn't get to it.

That being said, if it makes you feel better, safer, or more macho by all means carry one. It can never hurt and is only a very slight inconvenience. There is always the possibility that you may be the rare person whose survival will depend on this little tool. But if those are the kind of odds you are playing, you have a much greater chance of being saved by wearing a helmet and body armor while driving. Far more people die from head/chest injuries than because they couldn't release their seat belt.

JP

I agree with the above

I have a good ol' classic swiss army knife on my keyring. Very useful and cheap to replace. I also ALWAYS have a good folder knife on my belt. My family always asks me to use my knife cuz they know I ALWAYS have it. I rotate between knives but my stand-alone dead-reliable fav., is a classic, medium sized buck folder. The wood-grain handle tends to calm knife-phobics into thinking its not a deadly weapon, more of a tool. And it's all metal handle has taken a beating, and would easily work as a force-multiplier to crack a window.

This one:
http://www.adola.nl/bladerweb/xtramidden/BUCK 110 .jpg

 

[NLXTACY]

I now have window punch attachment to the bottom of the Maglight which is located just under my seat. I also have a Benchmade belt cutter located between the seats.

http://www.offroadtrailtools.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=426

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=7

 

[TheOtherLeft]

I now have window punch attachment to the bottom of the Maglight which is located just under my seat. I also have a Benchmade belt cutter located between the seats.

http://www.offroadtrailtools.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=426

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=7

Looks pretty cool, but what happens if you are in someone elses car during an accident? As the Resqme is on your keyring you always have it with you. I've never been in a situation where I needed a glass/seatbelt cutter (and certainly I hope I never will) but dad always had a hammer or centrepunch in the door pocket so I'm sure I'm not totally loopy for wanting a Resqme or something similar.