Mike Terzo Jr. from Rush (NY) sent in this kit of tools he deploys at motor vehicle accidents. The kit includes the following: seatbelt cutter, window punch, duct tape, Ajax strip and peek tool, vice grip adjustable wrench, yellow disposal blanket, length of webbing with carabineer and a 5/16 wrench. The tools are used primarily to disconnect the battery, cut seatbelts, break windows, check under the interior trim for possible air bags or high voltage power, door control, and patient protection.
The purpose of carrying all of the tools in one bag is to ensure that each of these tools is available at every auto accident. The benefit of having all of the commonly used tools in one place allows quick access when the kit is placed on the hood or roof of the vehicle. An additional benefit is that it allows firefighters to carry less equipment in their own pockets. These kits can be made on the cheap, and can be customized based on individual preferences.
If you take a litte view to Germany you can see a tool kit developed from the fire department of Osnabrueck. We have some of these and actually I missed nothing.
https://www.rescue-tec.de/SET-Accident-Rescue-Holster-Osnabrueck.html
Nice crash bag Mike! A couple things you may wish to add: Coax Cutters. Even if you don’t cut battery cables, they are safer to cut door wiring harnesses and don’t build up a static charge like hydraulic extrication cutters can. A can of Brake Cleaner (awesome for quickly cleaning a sand jammed extrication tool coupling) Just friendly suggestions. And you can’t beat those Irwin Vice Grip Pliers! Irwin also makes 9 in 1 screw driver. By far the best multi-screw driver I have ever used! I carry both tools in my bunker gear. Be safe & thanks for sharing!
You may also want to include a windshield cutter.
Great idea… Add a valve stem removal tool
Try adding a can of Barbasol shaving cream, spray it on the battery post and it reduces chances of sparking while removing wires. Just a idea, works for us !
Just a thought, how about some rudimentary airway and trauma supplies, in case you come across something that can’t wait for EMS?
Is the bag big enough to fit a leaf blower in it??
Jim: That’s what the medic bag on the engine’s for.
^^^ZING^^^
Nice kit. A good addition would be a side post terminal wrench. It is 5/16 like the combination wrench in this kit, but it is a ratcheting wrench and is better in tight battery compartments. They are 5-7 dollars at any parts store. I agree with the LT above, coax cutters are a great addition, along with a utility knife for slashing tires to stabilize the vehicle.
Hell, that bag looks alot nicer than the rubber glove we use to carry all the same equipment…including the leaf blower and EMS supplies!
🙂
@ Ernie, I would never recommend that anyone use a utility knife to slash tires for stabilization. You have no control over the loss of air. Not a smart idea! Valve stem removers are far better, and safer.
A utility knife to slash tires????? And I thought using the pick on a Halligan was dangerous!!!!
It’s really easy, a slice with a sharp blade (try Irwin Blue Blades= “unbreakable”)gives a nice controlled deflation. Also good for removing spent airbags, cutting head liners, cutting seat belts. I got rid of my expensive rescue knife, replaced it with a $5 utility knife- don’t miss it at all. Tie a cord loop on it, fray the end, it will stick to radio pocket velcro. Makes it really easy to find.
Re “medic kit on the engine”, Cool if you carry one, but I know allot of FDs that barely carry first aid kits, relying on EMS. This was the premise of my comment 🙂
Regards, Jim
ETA: A “blowout kit ” fits the bill. Military in origin, it treats the things that can kill you before help can reach you; massive extremity bleed, tension pneumothorax, and airway compromise. They usually contain; tourniquet(s), hemorrhage control agents (Quick Clot/Ceclox etc.), battle dressings, vented/non-vented chest seals, nasopharyngeal airway/lube (28-30fr.), and 10-14g x 3.5″ angiocath (IV needle) to dart chest. Not rocket science, though it might seam so at first glance, any one that has been in the military recently (Thank you) can teach you how to use it in a day. Used for self aid/buddy aid of battlefield injuries, the same injuries can occur in MVA’s. Packed small to fit in BDU pants bellows pockets, several fit in a small space. I carried an augmented version in a bag along with stuff to aide extrication efforts when I wiggled into a car with an entrapped pt(s).. Worked good. JMH
ETTA: Local protocols/Medical control allowing. JMH
I’ve only been cutting tires on wrecks for 13 years but it’s been pretty safe so far. Crib to the rockers then cut the tire. Works just fine. Obviously you don’t want to do this if there’s anything or anyone under the car but it’s way faster and stabilizes better than any other method we’ve tried.
There are a few different size terminal nuts: 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and any other size the “mechanic” had lying around. Ratcheting box-end wrenches are great, but you need the right size. Slip-jaw pliers and vise grips work on almost everything, but sometimes they are too clunky to fit in tight spots. Battery terminal bolt pliers are designed for the job, fit a variety of sizes, and aren’t too expensive (<$10). Not a bad addition to have in your toolbag.
Everyone has their own opinions, but I wouldnt lash a tire. But thats obviously what you do and works for you. What we do in my dept is we carry valve stem removers. Flatten the tires, then once the tow truck comes, we can replace the valve stem and re-pump up the tires for the tow truck driver. It makes great connections with your tow truck drivers. Our rescues are set up with a air connections.
We have something similar at my dept that we used at TERC comps and on the street. We called it our interior bag and there is always a “medic” assigned to get in the vehicle to do some prying, peaking, and pt assessment. We have all the things you have and a c collar, tourniquets, trauma dressing, and oral and a nasal airway.
We would also have the other things people listed in a bag and call it the outside bag.
Just as an addition, dust masks for personnel and patient(s), when glass is being broken or cut. Glass particles can be aerosolized, you do not want to breath them. Non rebreathers on the patient(s) will do for them.
Putting contact paper on the window prior to popping it helps.
Regards, Jim