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My Top Picks

If you find yourself in the situations where you need to extract yourself or someone else from a vehicle or ever need to render emergency medical aid, then having the right tools is important, not only for their safety but for yours as well.

There are several different multi-tool designs for fire/rescue personnel and EMS all with their pros and cons. If you are unsure of what’s out there in the way of fire/rescue type multi-tools you should check out my article – 7 Best Best Multi-Tools for First Responders – Plus More

Best Multi-Tool Shears: Leatherman Raptor

EMTs and Paramedics already carry medical shears but the Leatherman Raptor is a pair of medical shears on steroids. With a host of tools that any EMT would find handy.

The Raptor is by far the best medical shears available today. How did Leatherman do it? Using input from special operations medics and combining those experiences with excellent materials and the engineering expertise of Leatherman’s team of people. That’s how you make such an awesome multi-tool.  

With the Raptor’s integrated pocket clip and it’s ability to fold up into a small discreet package, there’s no excuse to leave home without them. Professionals and anyone that wants to make quick work of any vehicle extraction or similar situation will find these superior to anything else on the market today.

 Leatherman Raptor (click to check current price on AMAZON) (paid link)

Tools

  • 420HC Folding Medical Shears
  • Strap Cutter
  • Ring Cutter
  • Carbide Glass Breaker
  • Oxygen Tank Wrench
  • Ruler 

Best Multi-Tool Rescue Knife: Benchmade Triage

If you know anything about Benchmade you know they are one of the top knife makers in the world and have been for the last couple of decades. Their quality and craftsmanship is known around the world, so when you are looking for a multi-tool/rescue knife, Benchmade makes the short list of contenders.

Made with N680 stainless steel and G10 grips the quality is easy to see and feel. The Triage comes with a unique opposing bevel blade design which makes using the knife much safer when working around injured people in unpredictable environments.  

The Triage is also ambidextrous making it perfect for right-handed or left-handed people, or if your strong hand is injured, you’re still in business. Its clip is also reversible adding to the versatility of the Triage.

Benchmade Triage (click to check current price on Amazon) (paid link)

Tools

  • 3.4″ N680 Opposing Bevel Knife Blade
  • Carbide Glass Breaker
  • 440C Strap Cutter

Best Minimalist Rescue Multi-Tool: Leatherman Skeletool RX

You may not be a paramedic, EMT or firefighter but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for the unexpected. The Skeletool RX is perfect for a lightweight back up rescue tool for any first responder but works even better as a daily carry for anyone who can not stand idly by when others need help.

There are three main things that make this one of my favorite rescue multi-tools. The first thing that I really like is the sheep’s foot style, 154CM knife blade which is a nice upgrade from the Skeletool’s standard 420HC Steel. The Second thing is the carbide glass breaker. It was easy to add a glass breaker but priceless to have when you need it. Lastly, at only 5oz, this multi-tool is so easy to slip into your pocket and just go. 

The Skeletool RX is the ultimatum rescue multi-tool for a minimalist with just the right tools in a lightweight package you can’t go wrong.

 Leatherman Skeletool RX (click to check current price on Amazon) (paid link)

Tools

  • 2.6″ 154CM Knife Blade
  • Carbide Glass Breaker
  • Pliers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Bottle Opener/Carabiner
  • Large Bit Driver