I wish all vehicles came installed with something similar to the original LifeHammer installed in them from the factory just so everyone has the safety benefit of this little device with them any time they are in their car. Unfortunately, we don't all get free ResQMes or Lifehammers with the purchase of a new vehicle, however I've been recommending the ResQMe keychain to all of my friends and family members.
I thoroughly believe I'm not exaggerating when I say this device has the potential to save your life or the life of another driver or passenger.
Consider this short story:
You are driving your vehicle and before you realize what's happened your vehicle is now in a body of water (for whatever reason, be it fatigue, texting while driving, etc.) next to the formerly peaceful highway you were driving on. Vehicles sink fast and stay sunk. Your car is beginning to sink, and water's beginning to rise above the top of the vehicle. You can't break any of the windows with your hands or by kicking them. You remember your cousin, who is a police officer, gave you a dinky bright yellow little keychain one Christmas (and/or other annual holiday of your choosing) that you threw on your keyring to make him happy and haven't thought about since. That keychain is the ResQMe. You remember it had a spring loaded window punch, and press it against the glass beside you, which is now thoroughly covered by water. The pane of safety glass shatters. You take a few gulps of air, hold your breath, and dive into the water that's rushing into your vehicle and make it out with only a few cuts and bruises.
If you ever had to use this tool it probably wouldn't be quite that poetic, however it does have the potential to get you out of some serious situations. It's useful for any time windows on your vehicle needs to be broken so you can escape. This could, potentially, be after a collision, or like in the example above if you vehicle was submerged in water, or if your vehicle was on fire and you couldn't escape through a door for whatever reason.
It also has a seat belt cutter, which is also useful in any situation where you're unable to unlatch the safety belt, be it water, fire, collision, etc.
I probably wouldn't recommend the ResQMe for first responders, firefighters, police officers, etc. for on the job use, since you'd want something a little larger and heavy duty. The tools is fairly small, so it may be cumbersome in thick gloves, for example.
That being said, from my experiences this tool has been quite tough. I've thrown mine, stepped on it, and sat on it. It shows no indication that it's ready to fail. For the average person, this is something you need. For a first responder, it's an excellent backup.
The window punch is self-resetting and appears that it can stand up to numerous uses. The seatbelt cutter also appears that it would hold up after quite a few uses as well.
The ResQMe keychain is, for the most part, small enough to keep on your key ring without it causing a problem. It doesn't add significant weight to your keys. You will know that you've put it on your key ring, but perhaps that can serve as a reminder that it's available if you ever need it.
The yellow (which is the only color I have experience with) is bright and fairly easy to see. Personally, because this is an emergency tool, I want it to stand out. It comes in other colors as well for those who have different tastes. The colors I recall are, aside from the yellow, green, orange, pink, blue, and black.
If you drive, you need to have an escape plan for vehicle emergencies. That could be the original LifeHammer, this wonderful keychain, or another company's product. The ResQMe is the best escape tool I've found in my searching because it fits on a key ring easily, feels sturdy, and has two tools (the seatbelt cutter and window punch). It's fairly compact, and because I always have my keys with me, the ResQMe is always along with me as well.
This weird looking key chain is up there with CPR (and a CPR mask) in how essential it is. It's something you pray to never have to use, but you'll feel good knowing you're prepared.
Bottom line: Anyone who drives needs one.
| Closure Type | Clip |
|---|---|
| Pattern | Escape Tool |
| Brand | RESQME |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3 x 1.25 x 0.62 inches |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Style | Pack of 1 |
| Shape | Gun |
| Manufacturer | resqme, Inc. |
| Model | 01.100.02 |
| Item Weight | 0.353 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 3 x 1.25 x 0.62 inches |
| Item model number | 01.100.02 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 01.100.02 |
| Special Features | seat belt cutter window breaker |
