One of the benefits of teaching across the country is seeing the way fellow firefighters set up their rigs to handle a variety of different tactical situations that they may encounter. Firefighters are “jacks of all trades”. We can quickly assess a situation and within seconds, have several game plans that can render positive results.

In order to achieve success, we must be equipped with a basic cache of tools. This article will focus on setting up a basic “Man vs Machinery” kit that will handle a multitude of situations.

The “Man vs Machine” Kit Concept

The most common mistake made when designing a “Man vs Machine” Kit is over- thinking. The case or bag we will use to store our tools can only fit so much. I have personally adopted the concept of creating the kit similar to the thinking of what an “old school doctor” would bring on a house call. The tools in your kit should be simplistic and able to handle a multitude of basic emergencies. A canvas tool bag or medium sized hard plastic box is most suitable. If other tools are required from the rig, they can be requested once victim contact has been made and an assessment has occurred.

An inventory sheet can be created and laminated. This sheet can be inserted into the bag or connected by a key chain. After each use, the bag inventory should be reviewed to ensure that all tools that were used have been rehabbed or restocked for future use. Pencil type cases can be used to further divide specific tools that will be used for specific jobs. In the kit that I have, I keep all ring removal “tricks of the trade” in a soft pencil case. This allows me to have multiple solutions all within the confines of one bag.

So, what’s in your kit?

In your “Man vs Machine” kit, items such as snap ring pliers, a universal socket, rubber bands, lubricant, shims and a swing saw should be stored. A full list of suggested items to start a Man vs. Machine Kit” is included with this article. Remember, simple hand tools work. If a machine can be assembled, it can surely be disassembled.

Snap Ring Pliers come in a variety of sizes and range from $3.99 to $20.00. I have found that the inexpensive pairs (as pictured in the article) work best. The small size allows for close-up work in delicate situations with basic parts to maintain.

The Gator Socket is an easy fix to a multitude of situations. This universal socket takes the guess work out of figuring what size and type (metric or standard) socket is needed. The Gator Socket can be used with a standard socket drive or on a cordless drill. They are not intended to be used with pneumatic tools.

Medium sized rubber bands work well for removing rings. Many folks prefer to use dental floss, non-rebreather straps or string for ring removals. These methods have their place. My advice, try them on your finger before performing them on a victim. Simply using a lubricant such as dish washing soap and the rubber band have produced many success stories. The rubber band pushes the soap underneath the ring and also acts as a fulcrum to slide the ring up and off the finger. Remember to work the soap and rubber band around the entire ring. Asking the victim where they feel the ring sticking will aid in the removal and make the victim cognizant to the fact that the removal technique is working or not. If the victim is not feeling any relief at all, cutting or cracking the ring may be the only option.

A “Dremel” type hobby saw is an excellent addition to any Man vs. Machine Kit. Remember, manual ring cutters are limited to the types of metal they can cut and usually do not fair well under the stress put upon them by firefighters. The blades usually wear quickly and the “t” handle that turns the blade easily fails under force. The “Dremel” tool operates in both a battery and electric model. The price of this tool is comparative to the manual ring cutter and it will cut through a variety of materials.

Shims and a cooling solution should be used with this tool to gain optimal results. The key to using the Dremel tool successfully is proper instruction and skills maintenance. A simple piece of copper cut to the size of a ring attached to a carrot can assist personnel with keeping their skills sharp for their next ring removal response.

Once members are confident, practice performing ring removals on fellow crew members. The stakes to the game are raised and the psychological aspect will surely “humble” the rescuer using the Dremel tool. When purchasing a “Dremel” type hobby saw, the E-Z lock blades are an asset to quick blade replacement as they only require the operator to pull back on the quick release collar to remove and replace blades. This method is a blessing compared to the small screw replacement required in older versions of the tool. The E-Z lock is available as a replacement piece so that you can update your older tool.

The surge of rings on the market such as tungsten and ceramic have created greater challenges for us as rescuers. If the non-evasive ring removal techniques do not work, cracking the ring may be your only option. A ring cracker or Vise Grips with an Eye Bolt Handle work very well. Keep in mind that tungsten and ceramic do not like compression. When using a ring cracker or vise grips the use of protective eye wear is mandatory.

I have witnessed rings crack into two pieces while others have shattered explosively into many pieces. The victim’s finger remains unharmed in the process but the fragments could be an issue.

It has been my experience that placing a small towel over the ring during the removal process will provide an effective barrier of protection.

Protecting and packaging our victim during an operation are two skills that should not be overlooked. If a patient is stuck in a device, they may not be able to manipulate a body part to prevent it from further injury. Homemade shims may provide a barrier, while a coolant such as water or duct seal putty can keep discomfort to a minimum during the disentanglement. After use, non- contaminated duct seal putty can be stored in a zip lock type bag. It should be rolled in a ball and placed inside with a moist paper towel in order to remain pliable.

The “swing saw” is a homemade invention that was developed from tools such as the pvc saw and piano wire. The “swing saw” can be created from weed whacker string and two wooden dowels. The dowels should have three holes drilled in them to weave the weed whacker string through. We use a six-foot piece of string that is weaved through the dowels and secured with a half hitch on each dowel. The saw requires the use of long strokes similar to how one would operate on an elliptical or Nordic Track type exercise machine. Short strokes will cause the string to heat up very quickly and snap.

Putting It All In Perspective

These are just some of the tools that are recommended for your “Man vs Machine” kit. The list provided can be used a starting point for your company and amended to your response area needs. Remember, the public knows that every time they call 911, a qualified “jack of all trades” will be responding to solve the emergency at hand. As rescuers, we need to be proactive in both our approach and response to the multitude of incidents we may face on any given day. Proficiency is critical in our business. Drilling must become a part of our daily routine. It doesn’t have to be long and painful like a dental visit but it should be a meaningful and significant experience that can help lead members towards gaining the confidence needed to act in an instant and obtain positive results time and time again.

MAN VS. MACHINE KIT

1-Klein Canvas Bag or a Pelican Box for storage
1 set – Allen Keys
Wedges – 2 wood, 1 aluminum, 1set old Hurst Tips

1- Adjustable wrench 1-Robo-grip pliers 1-Mirror
1-Tin Snips

1-Ring Cutter
1-Ring Cracker
1-Sheetrock Knife
1-Medical Shears
1-Gator Grip Universal Socket and Wrench

1-Reversible Pliers (Snap-Ring)
1- Regular Vise Grip
1- Needle Nose Blade Vise Grip Screwdrivers (Metric and Standard) or a Combination Screwdriver

1-Needle Nose Pliers
1- Small Bolt Cutter
1-Lineman’s Pliers
1-Small Lubricant (Soap)
Various spoon or knife shims (3-4) Rubber Bands (1/4”)

“Dremel” Type Hobby Tool and Spare Blades
1-Eye Protection (Goggles)
PVC Saw or Fishing Line

1-Lockout / Tag-out Lock
1-Piggy Putty (Plumber’s Heat Sink Put- ty
4- Rolls of Gauze
1-Right Angle Grinder