Helpful Tools

[FORT ff]

In classes that I have taken our instructors have given us some good ideas for small tools to be carried with you in your turnout gear. A marker to mark off the "a" post or "b" post when you get some type of long vehicle, or whenever you need to mark something off on the firegrounds such as room that has been searched in a structure fire. Another tool would be a battery post puller. This way you don't need to run back to the tool box to get your tools. Does anyone else have any suggestions of helpful little tools to carry in your turnout gear with you??
Thanks

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[Rescuespike]

Most of or extrication techs carry a center punch, seat belt cutter, and a LEATHERMAN, THE SUPER TOOL. Everybody has their own personal preferences.

[HYTHE FIRE DEPARTMENT]

I carry a seat belt cutter, window punch, several pairs of medical gloves in a ziploc bag, valve stem remover, and a leatherman.

[Twostix]

A pair of disposable latex gloves can easily be stuffed into a 35mm film container. I have seen them carried under a band on the helmet as well as in the pocket. Since my earliest first aid training I have carried a triangular bandage folded into a cravat and stored in a zip-lock bag. It's handy for a variety of tasks and good to have within reach if YOU get hurt!!

[FFCode3EMT]

For extrication purposes, I carry a TFT Res-Q-Rench, a Gerber mulitool, and several pair of EMS gloves in a pouch on the suspenders of my pants.

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**The preceding comments in no way represent the views of my department, its members, or associations that it may belong to.**

[Zmag]

I sure hate to make this sound like a commercial, but for the most part you all have mentioned most of the contents of the "Zmag Rescue Kit". check out my webpage at www.zmagrescue.com

[NCRSQ751]

I also carry a section of webbing or old seatbelt - great for moving pedals quickly and easily. No need to cut around the feet when a quick wrap and pull is all that's necessary!

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Susan Bednar
Captain - Forsyth Rescue
North Carolina Strike Force 1

[renegade]

A lot of our guys carry a "Fencing Tool"
Combines a pair of pliers, with a striking head, and an angled point wich is great for the windows. I also like about a 10' piece of old tubular webbing to tie back doors and roof flaps.

[Carl Avery]

This is Mostly for the Race Track, But I carry a Schwartz Tool, What is a Schwartz Tool. Well it is named after my Compadre John Schwartz and it is his idea. It is Screw Driver with interchangeable tips with a piece of Rope attacher to a large Hook. As for the TRACK the idea is the Screw Driver gives you access to alot of the ZIP fasteners used to hold Body work on a race car. The Hook on a short rope or lanyard is used to pull Hood Pins which some times Jam. The Screw Driver acts as a handel and Lanyard allows you Develop an "impact" Load that may help you Jerk the Pins free. Just a little something for those of you in the RACE RESCUE BUSINESS!

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Carl D. Avery