Res-Q-Me 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.

Res-Q-Me emergency tool- a subset of Extrication & Escape (Motor Vehicle Escape)

Description

The Res-Q-Me is a handy key chain mountable tool that weighs practically nothing and yet is effective enough to shatter most automotive glass- allowing for extrication from harm in the event of an accident.

The Res-Q-Me 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 releases the energy stored in a coiled spring, the Res-Q-Me emergency tool doesn't require Herculean effort to deploy effectively. The seatbelt cutter is a razor blade that's protected by a clever guide that facilitates easy use in addition to preventing accidents. The Res-Q-Me may be attached to a split key ring or lanyard through a clever quick disconnect feature that keeps it securely attached and yet it may be pulled away from it's tether with a modestly forceful tug.

The 'use case' is based on the principle that tempered automotive glass is not easy to break with 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, the spring action method 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: Ignition key ring , Attached to the gearshift with a hair tie., Ashtray – depending on the design., Turn signal or wiper levers with a hair tie. Radio, heater, wiper, and light knobs in older vehicles may work well too. , The glove box, an open tray, cup holder or door pocket are NOT good choices .
How to use > Window punch
Press in corner or edge of window (the bottom corners work best), when you hear a click, the glass shatters in to small pebble size pieces.
Cautions: windows are below water level expect an implosion, as water comes in to fill the air space when the glass is broken.
How to use > For Seatbelts*
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 key chain mountable, it eliminates the cognitive effort required to find it during an automotive emergency. The logic being that since automobile keys are required to operate a vehicle, then it stands to reason that an emergency tool that is always attached to the ignition key will always be available if the vehicle is being operated. 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. Since deploying the device automatically exposes the seatbelt cutter blade, this further reduces the cognitive effort associated with actually using the device under emotional stress or duress.

Hardness Specifications:
Hardness:LifeHammer > HRC 57 – 58 ResQMe > HRC 60 – 65

MSRP-$9.95 - $12.95 Source: http://www.nov8safety.com http://www.lifehammer.com http://www.resqme.com