Fire rescue scenes are dangerous environments. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) annual statistics estimate that over 63,000 United States firefighters were injured in the line of duty in 2023. Keeping fire crews equipped with the right tools is a crucial part of preventing further risks.
Time isn't always a luxury that firefighters have in emergencies. A fire crew that's ready for anything is a safer, more prepared team. Part of being properly prepared is having the best firefighter tools to deal with problems quickly, efficiently and safely.
Here are the tools every firefighter should carry.
Firefighter Pocket Tools
For a firefighter, pocket tools can be the difference between a safe solution and potential danger. It takes under 30 seconds for a small flame to become a dangerous fire. Having access to pocket-sized tools may just be what saves a life.
Multipurpose Screwdriver
This is the ultimate go-to option of firefighter tools to carry. A screwdriver can remove electrical panels, air conditioning units and any other object that can be tightened or undone with rotational force. A multipurpose screwdriver is one of the best firefighter tools due to its versatility.
A multipurpose screwdriver will ideally have at least four of these variations:
- Flat: This is a flat-blade screwdriver for a screw with a straight slot.
- Philips: This X-shaped screwdriver is specifically designed to fit X-shaped screws.
- Hex: This screwdriver has a six-sided shape of a hexagon, which is commonly used for bolts and screws for furniture.
- Square: Also referred to as a Robertson screwdriver, this tool offers excellent torque and is popular in woodworking.
- Star: Manufacturers use this head, which has a six-point star-shaped pattern, in vehicles, computer systems and other consumer electronics.
Multi-Tool
Firefighter pocket tools like this are crucial. A multi-tool is easy to carry and versatile. It's like having access to five tools that all fit in your pocket, offering a potential solution to a wide range of fire safety situations. Common components of a multi-tool include a standard-sized primary tool, like a hammer or wrench, and smaller versions of other useful firefighter tools like pliers, scissors and knife blades.
It's one of the must-have firefighter tools that can help to cut through seatbelts and wires, shut off gas lines or break through windows in emergencies.
Wire Cutters
Anything that cuts wires or cables more easily is a useful tool every firefighter should carry. When a firefighter is in a critical safety situation, they may have to quickly reach someone or something. Having a wire cutter during such a potentially dangerous moment helps fire crews to make a clean cut through any obstacles, which could be a lifesaver.
This pocket-sized tool can be easily fitted into any firefighting safety clothing while remaining readily accessible. Popular types of wire cutters for firefighters include:
- Cable cutters are insulated cutters made for electrical wires.
- Side cutters are sharp cutters that indent the casing and then wedge the cable apart.
- Flush cutters are narrow cutters with angles for metal wires.
- End cutters are short, wide cutters with less distance between the end and the sharpest point.
- Diagonal cutters are angled cutters that create a wedge for another cutter to work through.
Wrench
Firefighter everyday carry (EDC) tools, such as wrenches, provide another small yet powerful option in a firefighter's arsenal. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, but the following options will usually be top of any firefighter's tools list:
- Box-end wrenches: These wrenches have two heads, an open end and a box end, which are useful in various firefighting applications.
- Adjustable wrench: You can save valuable time when you have an adjustable wrench, as they can fit multiple sizes of hydrants, nuts and bolts.
- Pipe wrench: This is an adjustable wrench with two serrated jaws that can lock onto pipes and pipe fittings for effective rotation.
- Socket wrench: This tool uses a closed, detachable socket head format to prevent slippage. It also features a ratchet design that enables maximum torque.
- Folding spanner wrench: This is a must-have for any fire or rescue operation. It can perform multiple functions and operate efficiently in a limited space.
Best Firefighter Tools for Safety and Survival
Safety, protection and survival are everything when you're battling a fire and saving lives. The best firefighter tools to help with this aren't always huge, slow-moving pieces of equipment. Sometimes, the fundamentals will make all the difference when choosing must-have firefighter tools.
Flashlight
For every firefighter, essential tools can mean a more effective solution to fire risks. All firefighters should have several different flashlights to use when entering a building. These firefighter tools help improve visibility and enable people to locate the approaching source of help in dark or smoke-filled buildings.
The different types of flashlights in a firefighter's EDC tools may include:
- Handheld flashlights
- Flashlights on helmets
- Right-angle flashlights
- Pen flashlights and bullet flashlights
- Lanterns and spotlights
Door Chock
Emergency scenes are busy. With numerous first responders moving through doorways in both directions, propping a door open can reduce the time it takes to find people who need help or to extinguish a fire. A door chock is usually a wooden wedge placed above, under or alongside a door to prop it open.
In a crisis, a firefighter's essential tools may make a significant difference. The more quickly potential obstacles are dealt with, the sooner a fire can be handled.
Firefighter Gloves
Exposure to hazards like flames, hot surfaces and sharp objects puts every firefighter's hands in danger. To prevent further risk, firefighters need protective gloves that keep them safe enough to do their jobs effectively. This means firefighter gloves need to offer hand mobility while offering a rugged outer shell to prevent burns and abrasions.
Firefighting gloves come in various sizes on a numeric scale ranging from 64 to 82, which represents index finger length. The correct gloves are tools every firefighter should carry into an emergency.
Stay Prepared With Bunker Gear Specialists
With the right tools, firefighters can be safer and better equipped to respond to various emergencies. Bunker Gear Specialists provides critical firefighter safety and performance tools, as well as services that ensure their functionality, including advice on the best firefighter tools for your situation.
Safety first has been one of our core values for over 20 years now. Are you looking for specific tools to keep your fire crew safe, responsive and ready for anything? Contact a representative to discuss your cleaning, testing, maintenance and tool rental needs.
