Multi Purpose Device

The MPD’s high-efficiency pulley, with an integral rope-grab mechanism, means it can be used as a lowering device on the main line and belay line systems and be quickly changed over to a raising system without switching out or replacing hardware. The combination of essential features into a single device simplifies on-scene rigging, expediting the rescue.  Buy here.

GRIMPday Competition

GRIMPday is an international, multidisciplinary technical rope rescue competition which takes place every October in Namur. The fourth edition was a face-off between 23 teams, from Belgium, France, Great Britain, Switzerland and Germany. The participants were firefighters, soldiers, police officers, rescuers, etc. All are members of GRIMP - Groupe de Reconnaissance et dIntervention en Milieu Périlleux (Reconnaissance and Intervention in Dangerous Environments Group). In teams of six and observed by evaluators, participants carried out a series of practical exercises on a timed and graded course: vertical evacuation of a victim, Tyrolean traverse, rappelling, underground progression, stretcher evacuation on a hill, etc.

Artillery Pry Bar

Cool Tools:

This is a great tool if you live in earthquake country, or for first-responder firefighting or rescue folks. I imagine that with a sledge hammer, gloves, and this tool you could tear apart a whole woodframe house in a matter of hours. Everything you need is in the box, including the big Phillips-head screwdriver and adjustable wrench you might need for switching configurations around.

Portable AC Power

From Cool Tools:

 The Alien Bees Vagabond Mini is a lithium battery pack which gives USB and AC power, and includes battery, inverter, and charger.  It will run any AC device less than 300 watts. $240

WeatherSpark

http://weatherspark.comWeatherSpark is an impressive collection of weather data, graphs, and tools.  This great site lets you visualize weather data in different ways and from different sources.