The resqme® car escape tool is a vital piece of safety equipment that can be a lifesaver in emergency situations. However, understanding how to use it correctly is crucial for its effectiveness. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the resqme®, ensuring you’re prepared should the unthinkable happen.
What is the resqme® and Where is it Made?
Proudly manufactured in the USA, specifically in California, the resqme® is constructed with high-quality materials. Its robust body is made from durable ABS plastic, while the incredibly sharp blade is crafted from stainless steel. The company is committed to environmental responsibility and is actively exploring eco-friendly options for both packaging and the tool’s design.
Key Features and Lifesaving Purpose
The resqme® is engineered to be a dependable, efficient, and potentially lifesaving tool for emergencies, particularly car entrapment whether submerged in water or in other critical situations. It combines two essential functions in one compact device:
- Seatbelt Cutter: Features a razor-sharp blade designed to slice through a jammed seatbelt swiftly and effectively.
- Window Breaker: Incorporates a spring-loaded spike mechanism. When pressed against a car window, it releases a powerful strike to shatter tempered glass. This mechanism automatically resets after each use, ready for subsequent emergencies.
Beyond personal escape, the resqme® can also be used to break a car window to rescue a child or pet trapped inside a vehicle on a hot day. It’s important to note that the window breaker is designed to work on tempered glass only, which is the type typically used for side and rear windows in vehicles. It is not effective on laminated windshields.
Optimal Placement for Immediate Access
Strategic placement of your resqme® is critical for rapid access during an emergency. It should be securely attached, easily reachable, and consistently within arm’s length. Here are some recommended locations:
- Keychain: This is a popular option, allowing you to always have it with your car keys. In an emergency, it’s readily available from the ignition. For keyless ignition systems, consider alternative placements.
- Door or Window Handle: Attach a resqme® to the door or window handle for quick access.
- Rearview Mirror: Hanging it from the rearview mirror is another common choice. However, be aware that this location might be compromised in a collision.
- Headrest: Attaching it to the headrest provides accessibility for both front and rear passengers.
- Glove Compartment or Sun Visor: For added safety, keeping a resqme® in the glove compartment or on the sun visor ensures you have backup options.
Using the resqme® Seatbelt Cutter: A Step-by-Step Guide
In a critical situation where your seatbelt is jammed and preventing escape, follow these steps to use the resqme® seatbelt cutter:
- Remove from Clip: Quickly detach the resqme® from its clip to expose the concealed blade.
- Grip Securely: Hold the tool firmly between your index finger and thumb, ensuring the black head of the tool is pointing upwards.
- Cut Diagonally: Position the blade against the seatbelt and slice diagonally across the belt. The blade is engineered to cut through a seatbelt in a single, decisive swipe.
- Multiple Uses: The seatbelt cutter blade is durable and can be used multiple times if needed.
Utilizing the resqme® Window Breaker: Shattering Tempered Glass
Before attempting to break your car window with the resqme®, it’s vital to confirm that your vehicle windows are made of tempered glass. You can typically verify this by checking the manufacturer’s stamp located in the corner of your car windows. The stamp will indicate the glass type.
Follow these instructions to effectively use the resqme® window breaker:
- Grip and Position: Hold the resqme® firmly between your thumb and index finger.
- Press Firmly: Position the black, cylindrical head of the resqme® against a bottom corner of the side window. Apply firm and direct pressure.
- Shattering Action: Pressing firmly will activate the spring-loaded spike, releasing it to strike and shatter the tempered glass. Aim for a bottom corner as this is typically the weakest point of the window.
- Side Windows Only: Remember, the resqme® is designed for side windows and rear windows, which are tempered glass. It will not work on laminated windshields.
- Functionality Test: You can test the tool’s mechanism by pressing the black head against a notepad. You should hear a distinct “click” sound, indicating the internal mechanism is resetting and functioning correctly. For a more visual test, you can try it on a small piece of tempered glass safely enclosed in a plastic bag, as demonstrated in instructional videos.
The resqme® is available in a variety of six trendy colors and multiple combo packs to suit your style and needs. Drive with confidence and peace of mind knowing you are prepared for the unexpected with the resqme® car escape rescue tool. Where do you choose to keep your resqme® for quick access?