Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

[darkstar]

Looking for some feedback from the Fire, Rescue, ParaMed crew out there.
Want to get my son a multitool. He just finished fire school and is starting EMT1 next month and he is going to continue his fire, rescue and emergency medical training while running at the firehouse.

Just wondering what models of multi tools (and also folders) any experienced first responders out there are using for work. I want to get him something that will work for him in the field he is moving into.


Thanks for the help.
Merry Christmas to All,
DS

 

[Beepy]

Re: Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

I have actually used the Leatherman MUT in a car wreck, used the seatbelt cutters and they worked well. This one is a bit bigger to pack around, it needs to be worn on a belt in a pouch. Too big to be carried in a pocket.

 

[darkstar]

Re: Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beepy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have actually used the Leatherman MUT in a car wreck, used the seatbelt cutters and they worked well. This one is a bit bigger to pack around, it needs to be worn on a belt in a pouch. Too big to be carried in a pocket.</div></div>

Thanks for the feedback Beepy
It makes sense to me that a larger frame tool would work better for grip, etc..
I wonder if any of these have a glass breaker in them aside from just whacking glass with the edge of them?

 

[pyplynr]

Re: Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

These are inexpensive and handy to have on your keys. I gave a bunch of these to my fire/ems buddies.

Glass breaker & seatbelt cutter keychain
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IE0EZO

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

As a 22 yr. veteran, full time firefighter/EMT, I carry:

1. Full size leatherman in a belt sheath. There are several full size models, mine happens to be a Core, but any of the full size work. Sort of a personal choice here. Leatherman's are warrantied too. Have broken a couple and they were replaced free of charge.

2. Benchmade 520 plain edge folding knife. A large folder that works well with or without gloves. If your state allows it, you could also look at the Benchmade 5000 auto. They are illegal here in Minnesota, but several people I work with carry them on duty anyway...... sometimes an auto knife does come in handy and the LE's we're around don't say anything, even though they could take them from us.

3. HDS 200 lumen clicky flashlight in a leather belt pouch. Any small hight output EDC light will work. Would recommend one that is capable of utilizing rechargable lithium batteries which will save him money over the long haul vs. using throw away batteries. I'm partial to the HDS lights, but there are others that would work just as well - surefire, nitecore, etc.

Would also recommend a second leatherman or Benchmade hook/safety cutter to keep on or in his firefighting gear, as it's really not all that handy to be trying to get inside your turnout clothing for the gear on your pants belt when you are in your firefighting gear. It can be done, but it gets old, so I keep an extra set in the pockets of my coat or pants.

As for a glass breaker, just have him pick up a cheap spring loaded center punch that a carpenter would use. They work great for breaking glass and are not expensive. In a pinch, a simple larger flat bladed screw driver works...... just stirke glass with an edge of the tip and you can accomplish the same thing.

 

[EXSOCAL]

Re: Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

I carry a Benchmade 915 Triage, a secondary Spyderco Military with a fully serrated blade and a good pair of trauma shears.

 

[smokebomb]

Re: Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

I carry a leatherman wave. Easy access to knife/saw blades without having to "open" the pliers. It works for all normal cutting needs, pliers work great for Oxygen tank swaps, and with pliers out it busts a drivers/passenger window superbly.
I also carry a walmart rayovac led flashlight, think it was $14.99, has proven waterproof, has variable intensity beam so you aren't checking pupils with full 120 lumens.
I also carry $1.99 trauma shears, a carabiner on shoulder for hands free IV drips, a black sharpie, a pen and a write-in-the-rain notepad.

 

[Sespe]

Re: Multi Tools for First Responders, Fire, ParaMed...

One of my academies gave me this as a graduation present:

http://www.gerbergear.com/Tactical/Knives/Hinderer-Rescue-Knife_22-41534

It rides in my cargo pocket of my turnouts. The knife, O2 wrench, glass breaker and seatbelt cutter have all been used. The other parts are still in their pouch untouched.