Whether you are an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, law enforcement or just a prepared citizen, having the right tool when you need it is worth its weight in gold. There are many rescue tools out there but having a rescue multi-tool gives you the most juice for the squeeze and consolidates your tools into one handy tool.
(This post may contain affiliate links (paid link). If you buy something through one of those links you will NOT pay more, but we may receive a small commission.)
Top Rescue Multi-Tool Options
- Leatherman Raptor
- Gerber Hinderer Rescue
- Leatherman OHT
- Leatherman Z-Rex
- Victorinox Swiss Army Rescue Knife
- Leatherman Skeletool RX
- Benchmade SOCP Rescue Tool 179
- CRKT Exitool
- Leatherman Wave Plus
As a wrecker operator for over eight years, there were a few times where I happened upon or witnessed accidents occur. In these situations, I became the first responder and would have given anything for a glass breaker or strap cutter.
When it comes to multi-tools for first responders there are two basic types. Ones that have the big three; a strap/seat belt cutter, glass breaker and an oxygen tank wrench and ones that don’t have all three.
For your average first responder or regular guy, you may not need an oxygen tank wrench, but having an extra doesn’t hurt, I personally follow the old adage: Two is One, One is None. So for me, I don’t mind back up tools.
For my favorite fire/rescue multi-tools click here to check out my Fire/Rescue Recommended Tools page.
Leatherman Raptor
The Leatherman Raptor is the most versatile and innovative medical shears on the market today. Most EMTs and paramedics carry medical shears, but generally, that’s all that they are, shears. The Raptor, on the other hand, is a rescue multi-tool.
The Raptor is different, Leatherman packed the Raptor full of useful features that first responders use every day. Finding a balance between features and ease of use was important, so the Raptor has only six tools to keep it simple and functional. It may not come with everything you need but it does have the basics get the job done in most cases.
Life Saving Tools
- 420HC Stainless Shears
- Carbide Glass Breaker
- Strap Cutter
- Oxygen Tank Wrench
- Ring Cutter
- 5cm Ruler
Features and Specs
- Weight – 5.8oz
- Folding Design for Ease of
Carry or Storage - Lanyard Hole
- Replaceable Pocket Clip
- Multi-position Holster with Retention
Gerber Hinderer Rescue
The Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife is a large pocket knife with a few tricks up its sleeve. Making it perfect for someone who wants the basic rescue tools without the bulk.
In the closed position, it’s 5.1″ giving it enough meat to hold onto even with gloves. It also has a large aggressive thumb stud on the blade to assist in opening the 3.5″ serrated blade. The blade is a unique design with a smooth and rounded tip that won’t catch on clothing or skin when using it as a seat belt cutter.
The only downside to this useful tool is, there are some reports of the blade lock failing. For some, this may be a deal-breaker. With Gerber’s lifetime warranty you should have no worries with getting it repaired or replaced.
Life Saving Tools
- Glass Breaker
- Hook Cutter
- Oxygen Tank Wrench
- Serrated Knife Blade
Features and Specs
- Weight – 5.6oz
- Blade Steel – 7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
- Unique Rounded Nose Blade Design
- Plus 9 pc. Tool Kit
Leatherman OHT
The OHT is a “standard” type multi-tool design packing a lot of tools into a small package. This multi-tool has a host of tools and features that any first responder would love.
With
One cool feature that the OHT has that no other multi-tool has, Imprinting on the handle. On each handle is an imprint of an image of the tool that is underneath that part of the handle. This allows for low light tool identification.
Life Saving Tools
- Serrated 420HC Knife
- Strap Cutter
- Oxygen Tank Wrench
Features and Specs
- Weight – 9.9oz
- Closed Length – 4.5″
- Spring Action Pliers
One Handed Operation- All Locking Tools
- All Outside Accessible Tools
- Imprinted Handle Scales
- 420HC Strait Edge Knife
- Plus Many other tools found on your average multi-tool
Leatherman Z-Rex
K.I.S.S. the acronym, Keep It Simple Stupid, really definitely applies to the Z-Rex tool. This rescue tool has the basics, no frills, no gimmicks just what you need, no more, no less.
The ultralightweight main body is powder coated stainless steel with a replaceable strap cutter on one end and a Carbide glass breaker on the other. When the strap cutter starts to dull you can remove two screws, rotate the blade and your back in business, just don’t forget to order a new one before the second blade starts to get dull.
Life Saving Tools
- Reversible/Replaceable Strap Cutter
- Carbide Glass Breaker
- Oxygen Tank Wrench
- 1/4″ Bit Driver
Features and Specs
- Weight – 1.6oz
- Length – 6.6″
- 440C Stainless Steel
- Tungsten Carbide Glass Breaker
- Includes a MOLLE sheath
Victorinox Rescue Tool
Named Knife of the year in 2007, the Victorinox Rescue Tool has been around a while, proving quality lasts. Victorinox worked with fire/rescue personnel when designing this special model of Swiss Army Knife.
The Rescue Tool has some of the classic features you would expect from a Swiss Army Knife like a knife, bottle opener, toothpick, and tweezers, but this rescue tool has some unique features that you won’t find in your standard Swiss Army Knife.
The Rescue Tool includes one unique tool that I have been unable to find anyone else offering, a blade specifically for cutting shatterproof glass. It also includes your standard glass breaker and strap cutters as well as, a Phillips screwdriver, reamer/punch, and a flat head screwdriver.
Life Saving Tools
- Glass Breaker
- Seat Belt Cutter
- Shatterproof Glass Saw
Features and Specs
- Weight – 5.9oz
- Closed Length – 4.37″
- Swiss Stainless Steel
Leatherman Skeletool RX
If you know about Leatherman’s Skeletool then you know that there are several models to choose from and models come and go. So you are wondering what’s different about the RX, well it’s red, but that’s not all it also has a couple of features that set it apart from the rest.
With the same general layout as all other Skeletool’s, it’s packed with features that can save the day whether at work or at play. With the minimalist in mind, this
The next big difference is the knife blade. The RX has a fully serrated blade that is made from
Life Saving Tools
- Fully Serrated 154CM Knife Blade
- Carbide Glass Breaker Bit
Features and Specs
- Blade Length – 2.6″
- Weight – 5oz
- Replaceable Pocket Clip
- Large Bit Driver
- Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Carabiner/B
ottle Opener
Benchmade SOCP Rescue Tool 179
This offering from Benchmade is one of the most interesting tools on the list. This unique design was borrowed from the SOCP Dagger family of
When it comes to tools this simple design has the usual suspects like an oxygen tank wrench, carbide glass breaker and strap cutter but this multi-tool has something else up its sleeve.
Because it was designed after a dagger it can be used as a self-defense tool as well. The finger loop and skeleton body allow for maximum dexterity, making it possible to manipulate door handles and other objects without putting it down.
Life Saving Tools
- Strap Cutter
- Carbide Glass Breaker
- Oxygen Tank Wrench
Features and Specs
- Overall Length – 6.75″
- Weight – 1.88oz
- 440C Stainless Steel
- Finger Loop
- Injection Molded Integral Sheath
CRKT EXITOOL
This little tool may not necessarily be for first responders but its tool-set will seem quite familiar and if you or someone else is trapped in an automobile, you become the first responder. Made to attach directly to a seat belt, this little guy has what you need:
- Tungsten Carbide Window Breaker
- Seat Belt Strap Cutter
- LED Light
Clipping this simple multi-tool on to your seat belt keeps these life-saving tools close at hand and would be a great addition to any seat belt.
Leatherman Wave+
Now, I know what you’re thinking right now, This guy can’t count, his list has eight multi-tools but his article is called the “7 best Multi-Tools for First Responders”.
Although the Leatherman Wave doesn’t have any “rescue” tools as part of its toolset, no list of multi-tools is complete without the Leatherman Wave. The Wave is by far the most prevalent multi-tool made in the past decade maybe longer. With its innovative outside-accessible tools, it changed the multi-tool world forever.
The Wave’s main feature that first responders would utilize would be the secondary serrated blade. Its
Tools
- Straight Edge Knife
- Serrated Knife
- Ruler
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Wire Cutters
- Wire Stripper
- Electrical Crimper
- Metal/Wood File
- Diamond Coated File
- Spring Action Scissors
- Saw
- Medium Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Small Bit Driver
- Large Bit Driver
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
Features and Specs
- Weight – 8.5oz
- Closed Length – 4″
- Main Blade Length – 2.9″
- 420HC Knife Blades
- Replaceable Wire Cutters
- All Locking Tools
- One-Hand Knife Operation
Other Options: Knives with Rescue Tools
Benchmade Triage
A long history of making quality knives has given Benchmade a reputation as one of the top knife makers in the world.
The Triage has one of my favorite blade shapes for rescue base knives, the clip point shape with a blunt nose and opposing bevel make this a very safe design that prevents the user from accidentally stabbing your self or the person your trying to help.
If you are in a situation that using the knife is too risky, then you can flip open the safety hook/strap cutter and get the job done safely and adding the carbide glass breaker rounds out the trifecta of rescue tools making it perfect for anyone who is safety conscious.
Features and Specs
- 3.35″ Blade made from N680 Steel
- Safety Hook made from 440C
- Carbide Glass Breaker
- Closed Length – 4.8″
- Weight – 5.24oz
- G10 Handle
- Reversible, Tip-Up Clip
Kershaw Blur Glassbreaker Knife
I once had a Kershaw Blur with the glass breaker, that was until it was tragically lost, never to be found. It was definitely one of my favorites. If I didn’t have such a large collection of knives, I would have replaced it ASAP but with three other Kershaw’s to take its place I just haven’t gotten around to getting another one.
I absolutely loved the knife blade, it has enough heft for big cutting jobs and held a great edge too.
Kershaw is definitely known for their top-quality assisted opening folders, this one is no exception. The Blur is made from Sandvik 14C28N steel with a DLC coating. The Aluminium handle with Trac-Tec inserts allows for a solid grip when using the knife or glass breaker, even when conditions are less than ideal.
Features and Specs
- SpeedSafe Assisted Opening
- Glass Breaker
- 14C28N Blade Steel with DLC Coating
- 6061-T6
Aluminium Handle with Trac-Tec Inserts - Reversible Clip – Tip-up/Tip-down
- Liner Lock
- Weight – 3.9oz
- Blade Length – 3.4″
- Closed Length – 4.5″
Buck Knives Redpoint Rescue Knife
Buck Knives has been making knives for well over a hundred years, so when they make a knife you know what you are getting. Buck makes knives for every market from hunting to the kitchen and everything in between.
The Redpoint Rescue Knife comes with a 420HC stainless steel drop point blade, which is a little different than other 420HC steels out there today.
Buck has a unique heat-treating process that transforms 420HC making it one of the best 420HC steels on the market today. If it wasn’t so stain-resistant you would think it was a carbon steel blade. Add to that a Titanium coating for extra stain resistance and you have an amazing blade.
Besides the blade, the Redpoint also has a glass breaker and a strap cutter, making this already great knife even better.
Features and Specs
- 420HC Stainless Steel Titanium Coated Blade
- Thermoplastic Handle with Rubber Overmold
- Weight – 2.9oz
- Blade Length – 2.75″
- Closed Length – 4.38″
- Pocket Clip
CRKT M16-14ZLEK
The M16-14ZLEK is by far my favorite EDC knife these days. I’ve been carrying one of these for some time now and I have yet to find a more capable EDC/Rescue/Defensive knife. Click here to check out the CRKT M16-14ZLEK on Amazon. (paid link) CRKT went all out when they designed the M16 (ZLEK) series of knives, they were built for function first. This full-size knife has the heft to do some serious work and using a Tanto style blade that gives it extra strength for whatever it encounters.
One of the main features that makes this knife as heavy-duty as it is, most people will never even know about, the 420J2 stainless steel liner InterFrame which is the backbone of the design
Features and Specs
- Blade Steel – AUS 8 with a Titanium Nitride Finnish
- Tungsten Carbide Glass Breaker
- Strap Cutter
- Weight – 6.2oz
- Blade Length – 3.75″
- Closed Length – 5.5″
- Glass Reinforced Nylon Handle
- Reversible Clip, Point up or Down, Left or Right
