Rescue/response gear build out

If there is a better spot for this admins please feel free to move.

As I had shared in the what did you do to thread I lost one of my brothers to a horrific car accident a couple of months ago. Long story short but I ended up on scene but was prevented from actually going up on scene by a state trooper. There were people who had been there on scene before any first responders though. The whole thing made me realize how horrifically unprepared I was to respond to anything of this nature. I knew I wanted to be ready to do whatever I can should I ever end up coming across people in need. I'm going to try and detail and review the products I'm adding here in case anyone else out there has the same thoughts, or has been in situations before and can share things of value. I hope I never need these items, but if I do I'll be ready.

Fishbone fire extinguisher mount - https://www.quadratec.com/p/fishbone-offroad/fire-extinguisher-holder/black - I like that it comes in a few different colors. I got black for mine and red for my wife's. Super easy install, holds a 2.5 lb extinguisher perfectly, very quick to remove the extinguisher, and has so far held up incredibly well. Recently drove several hours on the highway with the top off and speeds over 70 with zero problem. I am personally running an ABC extinguisher after talking with a first responder on their opinion on best type to carry.

Multi tool window breaker/seat belt cutter - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IE0F12?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title - I went with the resqme as it had a lot of great reviews. I wanted something spring loaded vs the hammer but may add a hammer as well as a backup. Haven't been able to test yet, but hoping to go to the junk yard at some point and see how well it works for myself.

Led road flares - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B098Q579XJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title- I went back and forth between led and the traditional flares. There are pros and cons to both, but ultimately I really only have space for one or the other. I chose these as they are more effective in a wider range of weather conditions. Tested them out tonight and they are definitely visible from pretty far away. They are rechargeable and don't require installing a bunch of batteries before use.

Fenix E28R flashlight. I chose this one as its got a magnetic tail end, really solid range, decently long run time, rechargeable, and wasn't too crazy expensive. They also offer 20% off for first responders and teachers (my wife is a teacher) so felt like a company worth supporting. The flashlight is nice and compact yet comfortable to wield. I have a quick video of a max output demo on page 4

High vis work gloves

Going to be getting a high vis vest at some point as well to throw in the jeep.

Anyone else out there run anything you'd suggest carrying?

A rescue pry bar.

You'll have to look for yourself to find what you're comfortable with in regard to size, quality and price. There's a wide variety. From small cheap Chinese bars to high quality expensive fire/rescue pry bars.

Reinen said:

A rescue pry bar.

You'll have to look for yourself to find what you're comfortable with in regard to size, quality and price. There's a wide variety. From small cheap Chinese bars to high quality expensive fire/rescue pry bars.

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Oooo that is a good one for sure. Was also thinking of a bottle jack. Its practical for its expected use of changing tires, but could possibly also be used in other vehicle rescue operations such as someone getting pinned by the steering column.

Blues Fan 30 said:

Oooo that is a good one for sure. Was also thinking of a bottle jack. Its practical for its expected use of changing tires, but could possibly also be used in other vehicle rescue operations such as someone getting pinned by the steering column.

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Bottle jacks are good to have in general but TBH by the time you get around to using it for a rescue, fire/rescue will likely be on scene with better equipment. The rescue pry bar is for GTFO NOW situations where quick & dirty is the priority.

Also be sure to take first aid or first responder training. Equipment is far more useful with the knowledge to use it as effectively as possible.

Reinen said:

Bottle jacks are good to have in general but TBH by the time you get around to using it for a rescue, fire/rescue will likely be on scene with better equipment. The rescue pry bar is for GTFO NOW situations where quick & dirty is the priority.

Also be sure to take first aid or first responder training. Equipment is far more useful with the knowledge to use it as effectively as possible.

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I actually was a junior firefighter for four years as a teenager, and took a full semester ems course in college. I was planning on pursuing a career as a first responder, but life had other plans for me. Unfortunately don't have space in the jeep for the jaws lol. Those things are way heavier than people probably realize.

I suggest a larger fire extinguisher. I know 2.5 pounder seem to be pretty popular but personally have a 5 pound one mounted in the same spot with a synergy hard mount from American Adventure Labs.. When bought from AAL it includes a small adapter that uses factory bungs on the rear roll bar that normally support the soft top mechanism.

The picture shows the trim panel completely removed because they are also highlighting their shelf in this picture. If not running a shelf, the trim piece can be marked with a piece of tape and carefully cut with a utility knife or dremel with a cut off wheel to give a very factory appearance.

While the hard mount is quite on road, I do get rattle when off road.

Sorry to be Debbie Downer here but…

A first aid kit and some training in emergency response. As mentioned above - unless you are in a very remote area - fire rescue will be on scene typically within mins. They are highly trained and have all the specialized equipment that might be needed.

I know you are well meaning but 1. You could make the situation worse and 2. You are opening yourself up to virtually unlimited liability in these situations.

We had an electrical fire in our car and it took a full 10lbs to extinguish the fire. Realistically a 2.5lb is not going to do much of anything but look cool on your roll bars

In addition to your already listed items: A saw to saw out a windshield or window. Gloves heavy enough to pull the glass out but flexible enough to let you work with tools. And of course some form of multitool; I favor the Leatherman line of tools. You can keep everything together in a tool bag near the extinguisher.

hamiamham69 said:

Sorry to be Debbie Downer here but…

A first aid kit and some training in emergency response. As mentioned above - unless you are in a very remote area - fire rescue will be on scene typically within mins. They are highly trained and have all the specialized equipment that might be needed.

I know you are well meaning but 1. You could make the situation worse and 2. You are opening yourself up to virtually unlimited liability in these situations.

We had an electrical fire in our car and it took a full 10lbs to extinguish the fire. Realistically a 2.5lb is not going to do much of anything but look cool on your roll bars

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A few minutes is a HUGE deal at times. I'm not saying im going to go out chasing emergency situations or respond to a scene where first responders are already on site, but I have been the witness to several accidents from slow speed fender benders to multi car highway accidents. Fortunately none have been all that bad. As for the extinguisher I totally agree a 2.5 isn't likely to completely put out a car fire. Heck even with an actual line on one they can be a total pain to put out. Its more about having a way to buy a little time or maybe put the fire out if caught early enough. I've passed small brush fires and it'd be nice to be able to stop and put them out vs having to call 911 and keep going. As for being sued...if people feel so inclined to sue someone helping them then let them I guess. I'd rather be ready to try and help my fellow man in need than just sit idly by completely helpless because of worrying whether I'll get sued.

Eyeball said:

I suggest a larger fire extinguisher. I know 2.5 pounder seem to be pretty popular but personally have a 5 pound one mounted in the same spot with a synergy hard mount from American Adventure Labs.. When bought from AAL it includes a small adapter that uses factory bungs on the rear roll bar that normally support the soft top mechanism.

The picture shows the trim panel completely removed because they are also highlighting their shelf in this picture. If not running a shelf, the trim piece can be marked with a piece of tape and carefully cut with a utility knife or dremel with a cut off wheel to give a very factory appearance.

While the hard mount is quite on road, I do get rattle when off road.

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I chased a rattle after installing a dominion off road Hilift mount and two 2.5lb H3R fire extinguisher mounts. I was convinced it was the Hilift but I finally figured out it was the was the play between the two parts of the mounting system.for the quick release fire extinguisher mounts. You might try a 1/4” wide and tall length of adhesive backed weatherstrip in the bottom of the channel. I don’t have the AAL mount but it worked for me. Now I only have 99 other rattles off road.

hamiamham69 said:

Sorry to be Debbie Downer here but…

A first aid kit and some training in emergency response. As mentioned above - unless you are in a very remote area - fire rescue will be on scene typically within mins. They are highly trained and have all the specialized equipment that might be needed.

I know you are well meaning but 1. You could make the situation worse and 2. You are opening yourself up to virtually unlimited liability in these situations.

We had an electrical fire in our car and it took a full 10lbs to extinguish the fire. Realistically a 2.5lb is not going to do much of anything but look cool on your roll bars

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I would rather take my chances of you pulling me out of a vehicle fire than waiting for the fire truck to find its way down a crowded freeway at rush hour. Vehicle fires can easily co from a smolder to fully engulfed in a matter of a few short minutes,

Terrymo said:

I chased a rattle after installing a dominion off road Hilift mount and two 2.5lb H3R fire extinguisher mounts. I was convinced it was the Hilift but I finally figured out it was the was the play between the two parts of the mounting system.for the quick release fire extinguisher mounts. You might try a 1/4” wide and tall length of adhesive backed weatherstrip in the bottom of the channel. I don’t have the AAL mount but it worked for me. Now I only have 99 other rattles off road.

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99 rattles but the fire extinguisher ain't one

30 plus years in law enforcement, with a year as a accident/crash investigator. My wife was a firefighter/paramedic.

Rarely will anyone be trapped in a car made in the last few decades. And if they are, comfort them until a fire unit arrives. Fires are also relatively rare in modern vehicle crashes. Many people think airbag propellant is smoke, and panic.

The best thing to do is get everyone out who can move on their own, and get them off the roadway. If a vehicle catches fire after occupants are out, let it burn. Do not try to extinguish it yourself, batteries and fuel can explode at any second. An inflated burning tire can throw molten debris many yards when it pops. Once a fire starts, the vehicle will almost always be totaled. Not worth getting injured to try to save it. Save your extinguisher to put out the grass or anything else that starts to burn around the vehicle. I’ve seen batteries burn for hours, even after the FD is on the scene and working on it. If the vehicle is EV or hybrid, just get away from it.

As said above, a pry bar is your best tool. You can move parts with leverage that would otherwise not move. And you can pry metal or plastic away from a tire and make a vehicle drivable again. A battery powered sawzall is another very useful extraction tool.

Be careful of moving those who can’t move on their own. A bad injury can be made much worse, or someone who has their blood flow cut to a extremity could die quickly from a bleed out if you are not careful. Wait for the pros, with the updated training and proper tools to arrive.

The Last Cowboy said:

30 plus years in law enforcement, with a year as a accident/crash investigator. My wife was a firefighter/paramedic.

Rarely will anyone be trapped in a car made in the last few decades. And if they are, comfort them until a fire unit arrives. Fires are also relatively rare in modern vehicle crashes. Many people think airbag propellant is smoke, and panic.

The best thing to do is get everyone out who van move on their own, and get them off the roadway. If a vehicle catches fire after occupants are out, let it burn. Do not try to extinguish it yourself, batteries and fuel can explode at any second. An inflated burning tire can through molten debris many yards when it pops. Once a fire starts, the vehicle will almost always be totaled. Not worth getting injured to try to save it. Save your extinguisher to put out the grass or anything else that starts to burn around the vehicle. I’ve seen batteries burn for hours, even after the FD is on the scene and working on it. If the vehicle is EV or hybrid, just get away from it.

As said above, a pry bar is your best tool. You can move parts with leverage that would otherwise not move. And you can pry metal or plastic away from a tire and make a vehicle drivable again. A battery powered sawzall is another very useful extraction tool.

Be careful of moving those who can’t move on their own. A bad injury can be made much worse, or someone who has their blood flow cut to a extremity could die quickly from a bleed out if you are not careful. Wait for the pros, with the updated training and proper tools to arrive.

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Yep agree with all the points made. Typically once a car has caught fire it's going to end up totalled out anyhow so the extinguisher would be for a worst case someone hasn't made it out on their own and there's a fire spreading. Having the ability to knock it down long enough to be able to get people out and to safety or like you said help control brush fire around the vehicle itself. Imo it's really all about being able to buy time for pros with actual equipment. Agree on not moving anyone unless it's effectively life or death to get them out and clear. If no immediate danger and they cant move on their own then my approach would likely be to gain access to the vehicle once 911 has been called and try to maintain c spine until ems arrives.

I was out looking around for somewhere out of sight yet quickly accessible to mount a pry bar. I'm thinking of building a mount under one of the rear seats to clip in a pry bar likely a ~24".

Reinen said:

Also be sure to take first aid or first responder training. Equipment is far more useful with the knowledge to use it as effectively as possible.

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First Aid/Responder is never a bad thing to have. A caution though from a.former EMT:
If you have no training and attempt to assist until the pros get there, in PA, under Good Samaritan laws, you can't be sued. If however you do have training, and maybe miss something or make a mistake, you can be sued. In the case of my EMT cert , I'm legally obligated to assist.

Just be aware of the legal side. Unfortunate that that has to be a concern when all you want to do is help