Rapid Access Tool (RAT); Easy Access to Armored Vehicles?

I found a company on the internet called the Nathan Group that makes the Rapid Access Tool kit. The kit comes in two sizes, Tactical Operator Kit and First Responder Kit. Take a look at their video and tell me want you think. If the vehicles in the video were cribbed how stable would the vehicles remain when the Rapid Access Tool kit is used?




Just remember, as trained first responders we can be held liable if a vehicle is not stabilized before the patient(s) are extricated.  That’s one point Ron Moore from Firehouse.com stresses religiously during his presentations and training.  So view this video and product as a tool that may not apply to fire service extrication in its’ current configuration.  However, the company could refine the kit to meet our needs.

The First Responder Kit is organized in the smallest possible hard case and allows the user to quickly and easily access the tools inside the case when needed. This case is designed to be transported in an emergency response vehicle. The First Responder Kit can be stowed in an equipment compartment of a rescue type vehicle such as a fire engine or heavy rescue squad. The First Responder Kit contains the primary rescue tools as well as additional spare, and support equipment.
First Responder Kit
The First Responder Kit includes the following equipment:
(1) each Pelican 1560 case with customized foam insert to protect the contents exterior dimensions 22.06”x 17.93”x 10.43” (52 x 45.5 x 26.5 cm)
(1) each Heavy duty 36 volt cordless drill with 36 volt lithium ion battery attached
(1) each Spare 36 volt lithium ion battery pack
(2) each Recovery strap (30’ X 3”) with double stitched reinforced loops at each end
(2) each Specialty drill bit (1” X 10”)
(3) each Rapid Access Tool (R.A.T.) with an attached gated hook
(1) each AC battery charger for the two 36 volt lithium ion batteries
(1) each Drilling depth guide rod
(1) each Assorted manuals and warranty papers

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10 comments

  1. GREAT Idea…BUT…a)The banners are in the way on the video; and b)y’all blur out exactly how it works so we can’t see what’s going on exactly. IF I were a first responder, I’d want to know how this works.

  2. Hey Smitty

    It looks like a very effective piece of equipment, however when we pride ourselves on a casualty centred rescue I have my reservations as to the aggressiveness of the technique.

    If its all we have to gain access, its a possibility, if the glass is that strong, why cant we just pop the doors etc with hydraulics and spread the A-posts to break free from the windshield in a more controlled manner?

    Perhaps a different method for its use than driving another vehicle to pull it off. I suppose if they need to extract a V.I.P then their priorities may be different.

    cheers mate

    john

  3. they do that so people dont go and make there own

    • i understand why they blur the image but if you purchase one of these then youll be able to see how it works and replicate that

  4. Hey John, I completely agree with you.  The system was most likely designed for a situation where time spent extricating the person is more important than stabilizing the vehicle.  I posted it because the company markets a “First Responder” version of the kit.  I think the kit could have some use in armored trucks.  Maybe a rolled over armored truck?  I’m glad people are looking at the kit and video.  Maybe it can be optimized for the fire service?  It’s an interesting kit to see in action at the least!

  5. didn’t like the way the vehcile moved from side to side. What would happen to the patient if the had serious neck and back trauma during this time? I rreally think it is to aggresive.

    • I completely agree with you Mike!  The system looks like it was designed for military use, but that doesn’t mean the company cannot make the kit work for us.

  6. I dont like the aggressiveness of this toll either in a accident situation this would cause way more movement than i would want for the vehicle and victims. Looks more like somthing for a police or military unit to rapidly extricate someone of interest, Thats who they should market this too. Bullet proofing is commonly in the door panels glass and sometimes in the roof and floor. So cutting the post should not be anymore challenging than normal if you need to remove the windshield make a purchase point with hydraulic cutter and use a recip saw.
     

  7. It appears to be targeted for armored vehicles such as the tactical vehicles used by tactical teams and the millitary; armored trucks or the VIP Limo/SUV types all of which I would imagine present a significant challenge to standard extrication tools and methods since they are deigned to keep people out.  I would think that if you stabilized the vehicle properly and used a steady pull it may not be quite as violent.  It appears to be a good anwser to a specific problem.

  8. Yeah, that won’t give the patient a heart attack AT ALL.