9 Life-Saving Gadgets Everyone Should Know About

As we use technology on a daily basis, it can even help us to make our lives easier. Even though most of the focus is on improvements in electronics like phones and tablets, there are other inventions that can have a greater impact.

From small emergencies, such as power outages and situations that require running repairs, to major life-threatening events. But what sort of gadgets come in handy when you get yourself into a thorny situation?

From a handy defibrillator that helps during a sudden cardiac arrest to an all in all multipurpose tool, Wingman, here are some examples of innovative, life-saving tech gadgets that can add to your important day.

1. SIREN Ring:

Most of us have eons ago learned the basics of personal safety including "stay alert" and "stick to busier neighborhoods if you can". However, sometimes alarming situations are unavoidable. What can you do to stay safe? Probably, a tech-assisted safety ring can be a good way to feel shielded and entrusted.

A New York-based company, SIREN, has changed the idea of personal safety by integrating a powerful and smart technology into a fashion accessory. With equal attention to pattern and purpose, style and strength, SIREN is about protecting the women who wear it.

SIREN is a stylish and sophisticated ring which conceals a miniature patented technology. When activated, it emits a shockingly loud alarm. In other words, SIREN allows women with critical seconds and possibly prevent the escalation of an attack.

SIREN makes a frightful, intolerable loud alarm (exceeding 110 decibels) which can be activated in less than 2 seconds when positioned close to the ear. While the alarm is audible from more than 50 feet away, SIREN is specifically designed to prevent a close and hostile threat. But not to alert distant assistance.

To activate SIREN, the wearer needs to simply twist the top of the ring 60 degrees counterclockwise (left). Twist the top locks firmly into position until it can no longer rotate. If uninterrupted, the ring will enter alarm mode, generating a piercing sound in close proximity for a programmed duration. However, the duration is only disclosed to the wearer.

Moreover, the wearer can cancel the process by rotating clockwise until it clicks back into the “off” position. However, this must be done immediately during the delay time of 1.5 seconds. It is available in different colors from $199.99.

2. LifeStraw:

You never know when you might be gasping for a drink. Perhaps save this one for emergencies, as it might help you quench your thirst even from a dirty river. With no chemicals, no batteries, no electrical power, and no moving parts, the LifeStraw is an appliance that no adventurer can go without.

The LifeStraw is a lightweight, portable water purification system, which lets you drink directly from streams and lakes or any container. The LifeStraw removes almost all the waterborne bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella and waterborne protozoa, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

However, the LifeStraw will not remove chemicals, saltwater, heavy metals, and viruses.

Moreover, under freezing temperatures, water inside can freeze and crack the filter. For filtering viruses, you can opt for the LifeStraw Mission and LifeStraw Family 1.0.

By using advanced hollow fiber membrane technology, it filters up to 264 gallons or 1,000 liters of water to 0.2 microns. Be it hiking, backpacking, camping, travel, or emergency preparedness, the LifeStraw is an ideal device to have.

Weighing only 2 ounces (57 grams) and only 9” (22.5 cm) long, the LifeStraw meets US EPA drinking water standards. Moreover, the LifeStraw's raw materials meet US Food and Drug Administration regulations and standards. The personal water filter starts at $19.95.

3. Wristband powerbank battery charger:

Carrying an external battery is not always comfortable given the size and the space it takes in our pockets or purses. However, the Maze Exclusive Wristband power bank Battery Charger curbs this pain point. Now you can charge your phone on the go.

The Maze Exclusive Wristband power bank Battery Charger is a wearable and an upscale bracelet for any outfit. This unique design wraps around the user's wrist, with a mini USB (or Apple Lightning) plug on one end slotting into the bracelet.

With a capacity of 3000mAh, this works with any phone model, from Apple iPhones to Samsung Galaxy, to Nokia Lumia and much more. Moreover, it's water-resistant and has an IPX4 water-resistant rating. The user can adjust the wristband to wrap around the wrist conveniently.

In addition, the band is geared up with 4 LED indicators which indicate the user when a phone is fully charged. Also, the LED indicates when you should recharge the wristband. It’s available on Amazon and Maze Exclusive.

4. Credit card lightbulb:

Imagine you have to take out a $10 bill out of your mighty dark wallet full of bills. Largely unknown, every year billions of dollars get lost due to accidental slippage of bills from wallets.

How about a bright idea to carry in your wallet? Credit card light bulbs are tiny lights that fit into your wallet. Though the unusual card looks like a flat incandescent lamp, the bulb lights up as you push it vertically. Moreover, the rest of the card serves as a stand.

This unique design weighs only 0.8 ounces and is powered by 1 x CR1216 battery. It is handy to use on a daily basis, as well as while traveling. This incandescent bulb can produce 1 watt of the LED light. You can buy it on Amazon, eBay, ThinkGeek.

5. Leatherman Wingman multi-tool:

Be it a maintenance or home improvement or a DIY or camping or hiking, the Leatherman Wingman is your go-to tool. Wingman is a lightweight, pocket-sized, stainless steel multi-tool.

The Wingman features a one-hand opening blade and newly-designed spring-action jaws. The Wingman comes with 14 different tools including - Spring-action Needlenose Pliers, Spring-action Regular Pliers, Spring-action Wire Cutters, Wire Stripper, 420HC Combo Knife, Spring-action, Scissors, Package Opener, Ruler, Can Opener, Bottle Opener, Wood/Metal File, Phillips Screwdriver, Medium Screwdriver, and Small Screwdriver.

As the Wingman comes with a locking blade feature, it allows for much safer user experience. In addition, a removable clip allows the user to attach the tool to a pocket or a belt loop without the use of a sheath. Mimicking the functionality of a pocket knife, this multi-tool is even accessible in its folded or closed position.

With a closed length of 3.8 inches (9.7 cm) and a blade length of 2.6 inches (6.6 cm), the Wingman weighs only 7 oz (198.4g). Additionally, the tool is covered by a 25-year warranty from Leatherman. Other products like Sidekick, Micra, Wave also offer more sophisticated features. The multi-tool is available on Amazon, Leatherman.

6. OffGrid solar backpack:

A perfect backpack for photographers, travelers, and everyday explorers. Voltaic OffGrid Solar powered backpack will power your gadgets as long as there is daylight. Just charge your voltaic battery with the sunlight and use the USB port to keep your devices charged all the time.

The waterproof, lightweight and UV resistant backpack’s fabric is made out of recycled PET (soda bottles). The bag comes with a padded laptop sleeve, a large main storage compartment and plenty of convenient storage for cables, adapters, and tablets.

It weighs 4.5 lbs (2.05 kg) including battery and solar panels. Also, the battery is protected from short circuit, overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, and over temperature.

The DSLRs and cameras that charge from USB can be easily charged with the OffGrid Solar Backpack. The USB port is also compatible with Apple, Android and Blackberry smartphones. In addition, all the tablets including Apple iPads and Samsung Tablets can be charged. However, it cannot be used for tablets that charge at 12 or 16 Volts.

The backpack needs to be under the Sun for 3 hours to charge a mobile, 4.5 hours to charge a DSLR, 6-11 hours to charge a tablet. It costs $199 and available in three different colors (Silver, charcoal, orange), you can order it here.

7. Resqme car escape tool:

According to the Bureau of Transportation, every year around 500 deaths is estimated in the U.S. due to vehicle entrapment. The Resqme is one of the most convenient safety options in vehicles.

Resqme is a keychain car escape tool, to keep the user safe on the road. During an accident, this trademarked and patented tool breaks side windows and cuts jammed safety belts. With its compact, lightweight and powerful features, it is the most affordable and reliable car escape tool.

By attaching the Resqme tool with a detachable clip to the keychain, the user can pull the tool away from the clip during an emergency. If the seatbelt is blocked, just cut the belt by hooking the blade over and slicing it across. To break the window, press the black head of the tool against the corner of the window to release the spring-loaded spike and shatter the glass.

The Resqme tool is effective only against clear and tinted tempered glass, which are rear and side windows. On the other hand, the Resqme tool does not work on car windshields which are laminated glass.

No worries about the accidental deployment of the tool. Though you carry it in your bag or pocket or keychain, the Resqme tool will not accidentally open up. In order to release the spring-loaded spike, an intentional 12 pounds of force is needed. You can also place Resqme on the rearview mirror, sun visor or even on the headrest if you don't want to carry it as a keychain

Numerous public safety organizations tested the Resqme tool underwater and on land. Especially, the Florida Keys Community College Marine Public Safety Program ran meticulous tests underwater. Starting at $9.95, it is available in 9 different colors and combo packs. You can buy at Amazon.

8. BioLite CampStove:

You can turn fire into electricity using wood. Combining the benefits of a lightweight backpack and an off-grid charger, the BioLite Wood Burning CampStove can cook a meal while charging your gadgets. The Campstove is the perfect solution for both the campsite and also emergency preparedness kit.

Using BioLite's patented thermoelectric technology, the BioLite CampStove generates usable electricity for charging LED lights, mobile phones, and other personal gadgets.

Burning only wood, the CampStove creates a smokeless campfire that can cook meals and boil water in minutes. Especially, the scalloped pot stand triangulates pots and pans for stable cooking surface, as well as diverting flames away from the power pack. Moreover, the protective barrier keeps the CampStove cool to touch. Setup is easy, fuel is free, and flames are hyper-efficient with performance on par with white gas stoves.

With an easy installation and no fuel along with hyper-efficient flames, the performance is on par with gas stoves. All you need to do is collect twigs on your journey or in your backyard. Thereby this gadget eliminates the need for heavyweight, affluent, polluting petroleum gas.

Weighing only 2.06 lbs (33 oz), CampStove is a great source during a power shortage or in a storm or a natural disaster. It is also renewable biomass (twigs, pinecone, wood pellets) fuel dependent.

On an average, 20 minutes of charging provides 60 minutes of power. However, charging time varies with the gadget. The kit comprises of CampStove, stuff sack, instructions manual, USB cord and fire-lighter. You can order on BioLite and Amazon. 

SEE ALSO: 30 FANTASTIC INVENTIONS TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

9. Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator:

Like any other vital safety equipment, the Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator was designed to be safe, steadfast and easy to use.

During a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the electrical system of the heart short circuits. This causes the heart to tremble rather than pump in a normal rhythm. Thereby resulting in the abnormal heart rhythm know as ventricular fibrillation (VF).

For the best chance of survival from SCA caused by VF, a defibrillator should be used within 5 minutes. Yet, less than 1 in 20 people can survive the attacks because a defibrillator does not arrive in time. Luckily, anyone can use this award-winning safety equipment to help save the life of a person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.

The HeartStart Home is easy to set up and includes automatic Life Guidance features like voice prompts and CPR coaching to help guide the user with a step-by-step treatment of SCA. The Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator is the first and only defibrillator that is accessible without a prescription.

Using a state of art technology, HeartStart quickly decides whether a shock is necessary and walk you through the steps of CPR. The kit comprises of Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator, a red carry case with 911/EMS card, an adult SMART Pads cartridge (lasts 2 years), a battery (lasts 4 years), training video, free discount coupons for CPR training at American Heart Association, American Red Cross or Medic First Aid and a 5-year warranty. It is available on Amazon and Philips.