Rescue Knife Help for an EMT

[PropThePolecat]

+1 for the Triage as a back-up tool. I used the hook once to cut some jeans of a pedestrian, who was hit by a car. Great knife and the built-in hook/glassbreaker is ingenious.

But you don't have to buy the Triage to get a great hook. Benchmade makes some great standalone rescue hooks. The 7 hook has a good size, even when used with gloves.

They also have some smaller/bigger models to choose from.

This is the 7.

Speaking of shears, Leatherman has just released the new "Raptor". If you're interested in some EMT shears, it might be something for you.

 

[BladeChick777]

The Benchmade Triage is a fine knife.
The reason for picking it over the others is:
Better Materials
Better Fit and Finish
Good Warranty
Solid
And overall you just get more for your money.

What I would do as an EMT:
Get a knife in the $50 range for opening equipment and such.
Get a Benchmade Rescue Hook.
Get a pair of shears.
And grab a Multi-Tool.

Or go with the Leatherman Raptor and get the Shears/Hook in one package.
If you did that, I still say a knife in the $50 - $60 range and a multi-tool would be good to have.

I would carry all of this in my Cargo Pants, or a small bag that you can take with you.

Knife suggestions:
Spyderco Native
Spyderco Delica
Spyderco Endura
Spyderco Stretch
Kershaw - You pick
Buck Vantage Pro

And there are others.

For a multi-tool, you cannot go wrong with Leatherman:
Sidekick
Wave
Skeletool
Freestyle
Juice
etc.

I would just get this kind of gear. It makes the most sense to me.

Good luck in your hunt!

 

[richard thurman]

+1 for the Triage as a back-up tool. I used the hook once to cut some jeans of a pedestrian, who was hit by a car. Great knife and the built-in hook/glassbreaker is ingenious.

But you don't have to buy the Triage to get a great hook. Benchmade makes some great standalone rescue hooks. The 7 hook has a good size, even when used with gloves.

They also have some smaller/bigger models to choose from.

This is the 7.

Speaking of shears, Leatherman has just released the new "Raptor". If you're interested in some EMT shears, it might be something for you.

I have the benchmade one of this type of strap cutter.

 

[DrOpPoInT1110]

Wasnt even aware of those raptor shears. Definitely going to get a pair- those look great.

 

[jnichols2]

Thanks! I actually looked at those and correct me if I'm wrong but I think most of them aren't pointed tips. I want one with a sharp/pointed tip.

If I'm in an accident and you attempt to cut seat belt or clothing; it DAMN WELL BETTER have a BLUNT tip !!!!!

I'll be expecting a Rescuing Angel; not Rambo !!!!!

 

[RevDevil]

If I'm in an accident and you attempt to cut seat belt or clothing; it DAMN WELL BETTER have a BLUNT tip !!!!!

I'll be expecting a Rescuing Angel; not Rambo !!!!!

That is funny.

 

[mcupelli]

The Leatherman Raptor Shears are now available for pre-order from North American Rescue: http://www.narescue.com/portal.aspx?CN=B074848DA32B

 

[meanwhile]

Those wouldn't be rescue knives then, rescue knives are primarily designed for pull cutting (seatbelts). Trauma shears are the perfect item, strong enough to cut copper cable, seatbelts, clothing, and maintains the safelty of the patient and the staff. I never used a knife near a patient when I worked as an EMT, primarily because I didn't want to freak them out and think I was going to cut them, or to get cut/stabbed myself.

Shroud cutter from ZT is what I consider a great tool, as is the Houdini or Triage from Benchmade.

I can't imagine what "job in emergency medicine" someone would have and not know this. Beside trauma shears, there are also tools like the safety cutters built into some knife butts and multi tools, and for an insane degree of safe cutting power, the Benchmade Rescue Hook. You do not put knife points near people you are trying to rescue - they may be squirming in pain, you may be working in the dark with blood covered hands. It's insane.

 

[meanwhile]

Welcome to the forum handiman! I'm in volunteer EMS and personally carry an XM-18 on duty.

And what do you use it for? And if any of the professionals have seen you go near a patient with it, what was their response?

 

[meanwhile]

The Benchmade Triage is a fine knife.
The reason for picking it over the others is:
Better Materials
Better Fit and Finish
Good Warranty
Solid
And overall you just get more for your money.

Given that S&W sell a similar knife for $20 - and you can find the same knife branded as an MTech for even less - I really doubt the last statement. And like people have said, working gear in any job gets lost - and in an emergency job this has to be much more true. "Good enough and I can afford to lose it" is what professionals look for in my experience.