After witnessing the horrors of 9/11 and the inability of people to escape the upper floors of a skyscraper in peril, American inventor and Orthopedic Surgeon Kevin Stone of San Francisco has created the Rescue Reel . The Rescue Reel is a relatively small 'James Bond' like device that allows a single person the ability to lower themself safely to the ground from any building, 100 stories or less, in the event of an emergency or if the elavator is out. Based on the principles of a fishing reel, the Rescue Reel contains a spool of Kevlar cord, a one size fits all harness and a centrifugal braking system that automatically controls the rate of decent as the cord unspools. When an emergency situation arises, the user retrieves the Rescue Reel, fastens the Kevlar cord to a secure object, steps into the harness, says a 'Hail Mary' and then rappels to the ground in less than 4 minutes. A manual backup braking system has also been added for an additional measure of safety.

After being successfully tested back in 2007, the commercial version should be available next year for about $1,500. When compared to any other “skyscraper rescue device” on the market, only the Rescue Reel offers the most comprehensive and realistic solution for a safe escape.

I wonder.... when the user reaches the ground can they can send the device back up the rope for someone else to use? This might be a worthwhile addition to the Rescue Reel. Kevin are you listening?