People who work or volunteer in search and rescue know that it is more of a calling than a job. It’s physically and emotionally demanding, but also adrenaline-infused. It can provide a great sense of purpose. When a search and rescue operation is successful, there are few professionals or volunteers who receive more gratitude. So what types of tools and equipment do search and rescue personnel carry? PPE, spreaders, cutting tools, forcible entry tools, stabilizing tools, lifting and pulling tools. The types of equipment and tools “carried” will vary, however, as some are light and small enough to easily transport but others are heavy and can only be transported one at a time.
Rescue Tools to Start Your Gear Collection
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
LION makes the
turnout gear and protective clothing that rescue workers, emergency service providers, civilian responders, and militaries need to stay safe in the line of duty. It’s also the largest supplier of chem-bio protective garments for the U.S. Military and National Guard civil support teams. We proudly carry a complete line of LION turnout gear among our extensive inventory of firefighting and SNR supplies. We also carry
Mustang Ice Commander™ Rescue Suit, a lightweight suit for trained search and rescue professionals required to enter ice or static, cold water environments.
WATER RESCUE ATTENDANT KIT
The
Rock N Rescue Water Rescue Attendant Kit contains many of the items a rescuer might need, including a water rescue helmet, SAR vest, and appropriate gloves. The helmet is made of ABS plastic and features a built-in visor, a comfortable fit, and a secure chin strap. The vest is made of durable nylon with adjustable straps and six pockets for tools or other equipment. It also has a loop on the back for attaching a tow line.
FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS
The tools needed for forcible entry are many and varied. Some of the most common tools are a Halligan bar, a flathead axe, a pry bar, and bolt cutters. A
Halligan bar is an essential tool for any firefighter. It is a multipurpose tool that can be used for prying open doors or windows, breaking through walls or ceilings, and even as a hammer. The bar is named for its inventor, Chief Hugh Halligan of the New York City Fire Department.
FLATHEAD AXE
A flathead axe is another essential tool for firefighters. It can be used to chop down doors or walls, clear debris, and pry open windows. The pry bar is a simple but effective tool that can be used to break through walls, pry open doors and windows, and move heavy objects. Bolt cutters are used to cut bolts, chains, and locks. They are a common tool for law enforcement officers and security personnel. Chain saws are needed to remove debris, cut through barricades, or any other materials that impede access to the victim. From fire hooks, roof hooks, and three-piece forcible entry tools, to pry bars and axes, our line of forced-entry products equip fire departments with reliable and durable
forcible entry tools.
LIFTING TOOLS
Pulleys and levers are two of the most basic tools for lifting. Additionally, high-pressure lifting bags Evacuation chairs, stretchers, and spinal immobility tools are also among
recommended search-and-rescue lifting tools. The
SK-650 Rapid Deployment Water Rescue System features a Sked Stretcher that’s pre-rigged for rapid deployment in water, ready for use in less than 30 seconds.
Types of Search and Rescue
Generally, types of search and rescue are sea/air, mountain, ground, urban. (There is also military (combat) search and rescue which takes place on the battlefield. Fire-End has equipment and tools to supply all types of SNR teams.
What Does it Take to Work in Search and Rescue?
Many people think that working in search and rescue is all about heroism and bravery. While those qualities are certainly important, they are not the only things that it takes to be a successful SAR worker. To work in search and rescue, you need to have a strong knowledge of survival skills. You also need to be able to work in difficult and dangerous conditions and be able to think on your feet. You need to be physically fit and have a good sense of direction. And most importantly, you need to be willing to put yourself in danger for the sake of helping others. Fire-End is proud to carry the trusted brands and reliable tools needed for those in the field of search and rescue.
