The field of first responders entails everything from paramedics to firefighters and is a fast-growing field, set to grow 24% in the next 10 years.
As the world changes and the need for first responders grows, so do their equipment needs. One of the biggest necessities is that every first responder has the brightest flashlight possible.
Even though three times as many people travel during daylight hours, nearly 50% of all accidents happen at night. When first responders show up, the chaos of the scene could be exacerbated by the inability to get a clear picture of what’s going on. To carefully remove an injured person from a car wreck, having a bright flashlight could be a life or death issue.
To ensure you have the right flashlight when duty calls, you need to know what to look for. Make sure your next purchase meets these 4 criteria.
1. Look for Brightness
How do you determine if you have the brightest flashlight? Check the lumen (light output) rating and make sure you’re well above 200. That will ensure that you’re going to be prepared for whatever comes your way.
HID flashlights, for instance, produce a significant amount of light per unit area over a standard flashlight. They are powerful and efficient in a variety of environments, able to turn night into day with their crisp beams. The HID lamps replace the filament with a capsule of gas, offering bright, energy-efficient power.
2. Check for Battery Life
In order to get the most battery life, ensure you’re using an LED flashlight rather than a halogen bulb. Check to see the estimated battery life and determine if rechargeable batteries are an option.
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery will provide maximum efficiency and addresses common challenges found in harsh, industrial environments.
3. The More Modes the Better
You should have a few different power modes for your flashlight. Rather than having the highest brightness at all times, see if you can modulate the power. A flashlight with a blinking mode will help you in case you get stuck and need to signal for help.
Additionally, see if there is a lockout feature that can assure the light will not turn on inadvertently.
4. Weight Matters
A flashlight that’s too heavy will weigh down your belt or cause an unnecessary strain when carrying your equipment around. You also need something that’s sturdy enough to bust open a window if someone is stuck.
You might even need it for self-defense.
Find something that is rugged, light-weight and durable so that it doesn’t feel like it’ll be cumbersome to add it to your bag. Everyone will have different weight needs, so get a feeling for what works for you by seeing what other people on your team are using.
An industrial, high-power tactical flashlight will help to ensure both safety and performance under various strenuous conditions.
The Brightest Flashlight is the Best Flashlight
There’s no doubt that if you need your flashlight to serve one function, it’s to light the way with as much illumination as possible. As a first responder, you never know whether you’re going to need the brightest flashlight available during a power outage or a pitch black night on the side of the road.
For more information on the brightest flashlight that will fit your needs, contact us today to explore our product catalog.
AE Light is your one stop for a wide range of LED flashlights, searchlights, solar lights, HID electronic ballasts, hazardous location lighting and portable energy-saving lighting solutions.