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Talon Rescue Emergency Clothing Knife
Cutting things such as seat belts and clothes can often be a cumbersome process. The last thing you need when responding on an accident scene is trouble with trauma shears or seat belt cutters.
Talon Rescue of Farmington, CT, offers a solution for that situation. The Talon Rescue Emergency Clothing Knife, or TRECK, is a new device designed to quickly and safely cut clothing and/or seat belts.
The TRECK is made of durable plastic with a steel razor blade embedded inside. It also is designed for safety, much like a traditional seat belt cutter. Field testing of the TRECK involved using it on a mock patient wearing a sweater, a sweatshirt and khaki style pants. The TRECK was also tested on denim jeans, a leather belt and a standard backboard strap.
Mastering the proper technique to use the device takes some practice. The handle does help to put the TRECK at the correct angle for cutting, and once that angle is found, the TRECK cuts through clothes, belts and straps very easily and much faster than trauma shears. The TRECK is most effective when cutting 'away' from the patient.
The only downsides to the TRECK are the fact that it does take a good bit of practice to get the hang of using the TRECK properly and that there is enough space between the blade and the safety guard to cut a finger.
From a durability standpoint, the TRECK is made of hard plastic and a sharp razor blade, both of which make the TRECK suitable for multiple use. The device retails at around $11 per unit.
Based on its cutting ability and durability, the TRECK would be a good choice for any EMS agency. However, the device should be trained with multiple times before use in the field.
More information regarding the TRECK, including a video of its use, can be found at www.talonrescue.com.
Timothy J. Perkins, BS, EMT-P, is the EMS systems planner for the Virginia Department of Health's Office of EMS, host of EMS World's EMS Squadcast podcast and a member of the EMS World editorial advisory board.
