TOOLS OF THE TRADE: “LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE”

The box light, or hand light has been synonymous with firefighters for many many years. Firefighters in NYC took to utilizing lights originally designed for SCUBA diving and attached them to a sling so they could carry the hand light on their torso.

The dive light was ideal because it was durable and waterproof. Around 1992 Advanced Lighting corp. out of Ronkonkoma NY started producing a hand light specifically designed for firefighters.

Their model the FD1 is extremely durable with very good battery life. its still in use today by much of the NY Fire Department, as well as many departments around the country.

While there are many flashlight options out there, I personally prefer the box light over right angle style flash lights and helmet lights. When slung across the torso but on a relatively short sling tight to the body, it places the flashlight right on the locks when you are forcing a door.

While crawling if worn properly it will not drag on the floor but can be used to illuminate your path. (It should be noted that the hand light is often used intermittently switching between on and off as sometimes it is easier to locate the seat of the fire without the light) the sling also allows you to cant the light upwards slightly for overhaul operations, or down for roof work.

The light is best worn under your SCBA so that if you must do an emergency maneuver you don’t have to remove the hand light before you can begin your SCBA procedures.

While most hand lights come with some sort of strap. Many brothers get creative and make a custom one. Anyone with access to someone who sews, such as a shoe maker, parachute rigger etc. Can easily build their own with some webbing and some sort of quick release mechanism such as a cobra buckle, or airplane style seatbelt release. Some guys even use a simple loop of cordage. Guys also like to attach a cutting tool to their hand light for easy access.

Take the time, find a light and sling setup that works best for you.