It’s up to the firefighters in your neck of the woods to free trapped motorists from car accidents. However, rescue tools aren’t exclusive to firefighters, EMS professionals, and police officers. You can outfit your car, truck, or SUV with helpful, potentially life-saving tools like a seatbelt cutter or window breaker. 

We pulled two stunned occupants out of a truck– but a trusty seatbelt cutter could’ve made for a very different situation

It was a busy Saturday afternoon on a highway to the west of downtown Louisville. My fire crew received an emergency call for an overturned box truck with a probable extrication. When we arrived at the crash scene, the truck was on its side in a work zone next to the flow of traffic. A cursory look at the scene revealed two occupants still inside the wrecked truck. 

Now, dear reader, let’s get a few things straight. For starters, (and gratefully) neither of the two men sustained injuries. Their dramatic accident left them stunned. Likely embarrassed. But mostly unscathed. As such, we were surprised that neither occupant attempted to self-rescue.

After extricating the men, we confirmed that neither occupant had any injuries. Especially given the sideways situation. However, neither occupant had the means to cut themselves free from the truck’s belts or smash windows. Unfortunately, they had to wait for us to cut the windshield out and then slice their seatbelts.

Granted, the two men were extremely lucky. Injuries in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are common. Injuries in rollover accidents are that much more likely. However, a vehicle after a crash presents new hazards. For instance, if the vehicle is still on the road, other motorists can collide with it. Worse yet, leaking fluids can present a fire risk. Unless you are injured and receiving professional medical attention, a wrecked vehicle isn’t an ideal hangout.

Therein lies the lesson. A seatbelt cutter can be an essential part of a vehicle emergency kit. A trapped motorist can free themselves from a restrictive restraint. It’s especially helpful if the accident puts an occupant in a position where access to the seatbelt buckle isn’t possible. Better yet, motorists can invest in a cutter and a window breaker tool, or a combination thereof. These tools can make a substantial difference in a potentially deadly situation.