Best First Responder Knife

As a retired medic, I have to say a good pair of shears is a must.
And a quality flashlight and center punch.

As for rescue knives, I’ve owned Gerber, SOG, and Spyderco. The only one I still own is a Spyderco Clip-it rescue.

If I had to do it over, I would consider a Byrd rescue knife.
Why? Because gear always manages to get left behind, loaned, lost, or borrowed.

Don’t forget that people also steal your gear. Patients or patients families, bystanders, and unfortunately other EMS workers.
Nobody is above it. Nobody.
 
Personally, I always thought that it would be a cool idea to be able to carry basically the same knife on and off duty. For example a Spydrco Tenacipus with a plain edge for every day carry and a serrated Tenacious at work. Just take a file to the tip of the SE knife and you have an instant rescue knife.
 
my favorite after 22 years on the job was a waved Spyderco Endura from the l.e.o. side of things combined with a Victorinox tinker
 
The leatherman raptor is great, but it is easier to use throw away shears because of decontamination issues. I would recommend a multitool or an easy to open pocket knife. Just keep in mind they will most likely want to clean it out at some point. Blood or dirty house fire water should be cleaned out and synthetic materials don't absorb chemicals.
 
When I was still on the truck I carried a Benchmade 5000SBK knife and Raptor trauma shears. I carried cheap shears for several years, and they worked well enough for normal calls. However, after running a MCI with a whole biker group wreck and all of our shears crapping out trying to cut off their jackets and gear, I asked for the Raptors for Christmas. They've never let me down and are worth it for those on the job in my opinion. To alleviate concerns mentioned earlier, yes they can be folded and it becomes second nature to unfold them after you've had them for a couple weeks. However, they can also be carried in pocket or in sheath unfolded for those that desire to do so.
 
Weedhopper said:
Being in the fire service in the USAF for 4 years, and currently going on 38 years where I'm employed as a Battalion Chief for the past 25, I'd be seriously upset if one of my guys was cutting someone's clothing off with a knife. That's just asking for trouble. Your basic trauma shears will get the job done just fine. As far as a knife, a sharp, fully serrated blade is your friend for rope, and such. Seatbelt cutters are made for that specific purpose, not your favorite, EDC flipper. If you're working an entrapment, the last thing I want to see is a razor sharp blade slicing stuff among fellow responders vital limbs.
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This sums it up best and I’ve been saying it for yrs to people with the old sheeps ft style original bm triage, that u can’t put even a safety shaped blade near a pt for any reason it just is a no no!
 
Right now I carry SAK, multi-tool, a Benchmade strap cutter, Paramedic shears, and my Spyderco rescue knife at different locations in my Jeep Cherokee.

The shears and MT see the most use.
 
Leatherman Wave, Rebar or the Victorinox Spirit. The pliers, drivers, and knife will get used a lot.

Carry shears too, but the cheap ones with the plastic handles work well in my experience and you can just abandon them, if necessary, after cutting off bloody or filth soaked clothing.

If you still want a single bladed knife to carry...a lot of guys do...a good old Spyderco Endura or Military would be my choice.
 
dirc said:
the above is likely the most practical tool, but if a knife needs to be in the equation, there is a SAK rescue tool
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Good suggestion, but unless you plan to use it double duty also to dispatch sentinels silently.... I would suggest you get the bright yellow glow in the dark model. Much easier to find if dropped. It also comes with a rugged red holster to keep it in your belt (it is heavy).

I own one and it lives in a pocket on the back of the copilot seat in my vehicle along with a high visibility vest (required). On the drivers back there is an equivalent setup with another vest and a Spyderco Rescue. Tools always at arm reach for both ocupants!

If someone is considering the Spyderco Rescue for this particular purpose, have a look at the Spyderco Assist. It is basically a roided up Rescue and also includes a window punch. And wire clip!

Mikel
 
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