Rescue Tool

About a month ago, I got a new vehicle. See my post on my personal blog for details here... As I moved all the "stuff" from my old car into the new one, I took the time to re-evaluate what I kept in my car. Some of it was just the normal junk and trash that tends to accumulate over the years and just needed to be thrown away. However, I also took the time to think about what should be in the car that wasn't. The one big thing I found missing was a rescue tool.

For those that don't know, a rescue tool is a device that is designed to either help a trapped driver or passenger get out of a wrecked vehicle or to be used to pull an injured driver or passenger out of another vehicle if they can't help themselves. It usually includes at least a glass breaker and a seat belt cutter. I took the time to evaluate a few available rescue tools on the market and ended up buying a Blackhawk Hawkhook. To be honest, the biggest deciding factor for me was price. After buying a new car, I just didn't want to go making another big purchase right now and the Hawkhook seemed like it would do what I needed without breaking the bank.

The tool is pretty neat. It is designed with a frame lock folding knife. However, the blade that comes out is an "S" shape and has quite a few tools on it. Included is a serrated blade, wire stripper, bottle opener, seat belt cutter, glass breaker and a flat head screw driver.

There are some nicer but more expensive options as well. The ones I liked the most were the Spyderco Assist and the Benchmade Triage. Down the road, I may upgrade to one of those and move the Hawkhook into our 3rd vehicle or into the bug out bag as a handy multi-tool. In the meantime, I'm happy with what I got.

The big point is that you should have something in your car in the case of an accident to make sure that you and your loved ones can get out safely. It is a tool, much like a gun, that you pray you never need but you will be damn happy you had it if you ever do need it. If you really want something small and inexpensive, you can check out the Benchmade Houdini Escape Tool which is what I bought my wife years ago for her car.

The other issue to keep in mind is that you need to store it somewhere in the car you can reach from the driver's seat, that you will be able to find and that is secured enough that it won't get thrown out of your reach in a wreck. Think now so you can just act when it counts. Stay safe out there and watch your six.