First Responder / EMS Multi-tool?

C

Carthage

Joined
Sep 11, 2004
Messages
249
Is there a multi, perhaps made for first responders/ems/leo with both a cutting hook and center punch-type tool for breaking windshields/glass panes?
I'd be willing to trade scissors, a screwdriver or two, and the awl for those.
 
I am a ski patroller and really like the Swisstool RS. It doesn't have a cutting hook but it does have a serrated blade/seat belt cutter that works great for cutting off clothes etc...

I don't know of one that has a center punch like you would need. I would think you could just use the tool in pliers mode for breakings glass panes but not sure how it would do on windshields - probably ok though. It is one beefy tool. Probably the most rugged one out there.

J
 
I've heard a LOT of good things about all the Swisstools.
I like the look of the new Spirit.
I know that a center punch would be too bulky, but some kind of tiny, sharp hammer would be ok.
hmmmmm...

Ski patroller, huh? Cool.
 
Carthage said:
Is there a multi, perhaps made for first responders/ems/leo with both a cutting hook and center punch-type tool for breaking windshields/glass panes?
I'd be willing to trade scissors, a screwdriver or two, and the awl for those.
Click to expand...


Carthage ,

I have done extensive searching of multi tools and the only ones that I have come across that were designed specifically for EMT's/first responders that I have come across are the swisstool RS

The " Smith & Wesson first response " , just plug those words into search and you will find a number of sites , there were/are 2 versions of this tool .
here are a few more that you might find interesting as to thier merits I will let you be the judge .

The Galls rescue tool can be seen at ;


Carthage ,

I have done extensive searching of multi tools and the only ones that I have come across that were designed specifically for EMT's/first responders that I have come across are the swisstool RS

The " Smith & Wesson first response " , just plug those words into search and you will find a number of sites , there were/are 2 versions of this tool .
here are a few more that you might find interesting , as to thier merits I will let you be the judge .

The Galls rescue tool can be seen at ;

http://www.galls.com/style.html?assort=general_catalog&style=FE389&cat=464

EMI XTREME™ MULTI-RESCUE TOOL can be seen at

http://www.thecommandcenterwinchester.com/emi.htm

or

http://www.chiefsupply.com/rescuetool.phtml
 
Kinky huh? I guarantee you that thoughts of those nature disappear incredibly fast in one of our -15F winter days.

the *only* deficit that I find in the Swisstool RS is that the blades are not one handed opening. I've been looking at mine pretty carefully and it would take just a little work to make it work properly. Other than that, it is, IMHO, just about the best tool or rescue or just for real work as a multitool.

J
 
JohnJ80 said:
Kinky huh? I guarantee you that thoughts of those nature disappear incredibly fast in one of our -15F winter days.
Click to expand...

I'll bet thoughts aren't the only thing that disappears in that kind of cold.
;) :D :rolleyes:

John,
As far as I can tell, the Swisstool is the most "husky" of the multi's. That's a big plus for me, but one hand opening is a great advantage also in my book. This is gonna be a toughy.
 
It is tough. That's why I have so many of these stupid tools.

I do like the Wave or Charge TI for its one handed opening. I have been looking at the Swisstool pretty hard to see if I could add it. Cut away a bit of the side and put a stud in the blade like Gerber does it with the Legend 800. Would work....

If the Swisstool had the one handed opening it would be absolutely, bar none. the best tool out there. It would be my perfect tool.

J
 
I wonder if there are any customizers out there who would be willing to convert that Swisstool into a one-hander. Hmmmmm...
 
I carried a Gerber original multi-tool, and switched to a SOG PowerLock while I was a career firefighter. (I retired in January :( )

They both served me well. They both opened one handed , and I had the extra bits, and the special sheath for the Gerber.

I also carried my EMS equipment in a small holster, which rode next to the multi tool sheath. In that kit, I had a pair of the EMT shears, automatic center punch, a Kershaw lockback, kelly forceps, a rubber tourniquet, and a mini Mag-Lite.

While having some of those items in a multi tool would be ok, from my experience if you need the punch, you need it now. You don't have time to fish out a multi tool, and fold out a punch. (try doing that gloved up in the heavy firefighter gloves!) As for the seatbelt cutter, we carried a couple of them in our trauma kits, and if we needed to cut a belt now, the EMT shears did the job just fine.

My suggestion is to carry your multi tool in addition to the other hardware you use on a regular basis. The only other thing I'd have done different was to have a leather holster made so that my multi tool was part of my EMT kit, and not in a seperate holster.
 
Carthage said:
I wonder if there are any customizers out there who would be willing to convert that Swisstool into a one-hander. Hmmmmm...
Click to expand...

I'd love to have a one-handed blade on the Swisstool but the blade is on the wrong side :( you'd have to be lefty.
 
Carthage said:
Is there a multi, perhaps made for first responders/ems/leo with both a cutting hook and center punch-type tool for breaking windshields/glass panes?
I'd be willing to trade scissors, a screwdriver or two, and the awl for those.
Click to expand...

You'd have to trade a bit more, but have you looked into the Spyderco Assist I? It is basically a knife, not a multi-tool, but it incorporates a safe blade tip and a carbide glass breaker.

--Bob Q
 
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