LifeHammer emergency tool- a subset of Extrication & Escape

Introduction

Extrication refers to the process of removing a victim from a collapsed structure, whether natural or artificial . Examples include: motor vehicles, buildings, infrastructure, or natural disaster such as flood, mudslide, hurricane or tornado.
Escape refers to the process by which an individual or group of persons attempt to avoid a confrontation with disaster. The scenarios may often be the same as Extrication scenarios.

Entry/ Exit Tools are devices that aid in the process of creating a path between the rescuer and the victim or between the victim ( escapee) and safe haven. In addition, certain tools are intended to aid the professional with the process of containing property damage and risk to life.
Since physical obstructions are common in blocking the way- primitive tools such as axes, lever bars, rakes and hammers are effective in breaking down doors, windows, ceilings, walls and floors as well as to stem the expansion of a life threatening element such as fire or flood. For the professional rescuer, the ability to mitigate catastrophic escalation of damage is also important. For this reason the toolset of the fireman or other rescue professional include the ability to turn off gas, water and electric mains. In the case of some of these tools , they may me multifunctional allowing an axe to also be a lever and a valve shut-off tool.

LifeHammer emergency tool- a subset of Extrication & Escape (Motor Vehicle Escape)

Description

The LifeHammer is a handy wall, floor or vehicle mountable tool that weighs little and yet is effective enough to shatter most automotive glass- allowing for extrication from harm in the event of an accident.

The LifeHammer emergency tool is specifically designed to perform the task of window shattering and seatbelt cutting in a manner that makes it easily usable by almost anyone. Because it requires just a modicum of strength to be effective, the LifeHammer emergency tool doesn't require Herculean effort to deploy . The seatbelt cutter is a razor blade that's protected by a clever guide that facilitates easy use in addition to preventing accidents. The LifeHammer may be attached to the floor or sides of a motor vehicle or may simply be stowed in a glove compartment, door slot or center console. It may also be carried on one's person.

The 'use case' is based on the principle that tempered automotive glass is not easy to break withordinary impact tools (such as a hammer) alone. However, a powerful strike localized at a pin-point and delivered suddenly, is enough to de-stress or shatter a pane of tempered glass.
Such force may be delivered by one of various methods:
- Stabbing method (force of a fist stabbing)
- Flicking method (force of a levered flick)
- Spring action (force of compressed energy from a spring)
- High velocity projectile (bullets)

Properly implemented, a concentrated blow from the LifeHammer delivers the necessary force with the minimum effort or training on the part of the operator.

Process:
This tool is designed to do 2 things:
• Shatter tempered glass – like glass found in side windows of most cars & trucks and rear windows of most cars
• Cut seat belts Place it where you’ll find it after the car has had a severe impact or rollover.
Suggested stowage locations: glove box, an open tray, cup holder or door pocket are ideal locations.
How to use > Hammer Heads
Strike the four corners of a window pane with the LifeHammer and use it to rake away the shattered glass.
How to use > For Seatbelts*
Using the cutter guide, pull the seatbelt cutter blade across a taught seatbelt to cut it. If the vehicle is upright, cut as close to the buckle as possible. (If you can reach the buckle release, use it.) If the vehicle is on its side or roof, cut the belt at the shoulder anchor, holding on the belt to allow a controlled lower of the occupant. The cutter is more effective when the belt is under tension than if it is lax. Avoid using the cutter for routine cutting (such as opening letters), to avoid dulling the blade.

*In an emergency, cutting the seatbelt is often more effective than trying to disengage it at the buckle.

Task Performance Optimization
Excellent- The tool effectively shatters most automobile window glass with little effort. Though no training is required, reading the instructions for effective use can make the difference when it's actually needed . Because it's design is familiar to anyone that's used a hammer, it eliminates the cognitive effort required to use it during an automotive emergency. Since the operational model is fairly self evident, no training or practice is required.

Usability & Human Factors
This device is semi-intuitive. Usage is self-evident and training is not required.The cogitive effort of locating the device is mitigated by a use model that promotes accessibility.

Hardness Specifications:
Hardness:LifeHammer > HRC 57 – 58

MSRP-$12.95 Source: http://www.nov8safety.com http://www.lifehammer.com http://www.resqme.com