Swiss Army Knives and Pocket Knives were a unique life-saving invention in the 1900s (created in 1987) as the different attachments were stored inside the knife handle via a pivot point mechanism. The most common tools included are, in addition to the main blade, a second smaller blade, tweezers, toothpicks, corkscrews, can openers, bottle openers, flat/slotted head screwdriver(s), Phillips screwdriver, nail file, scissors, saw, file, hook, magnifying glass, pen, fish scaler, hex key with tips, pliers and a key ring.

These attachments provided the necessary tools to stay alive in any condition. One could build a fire, scale a fish, open canned goods (if available), and basically perform any task necessary to stay alive for a short amount of time.

Smartphones like the most advanced Blackberry, iPhone and Android have the tools to survive in any conditions in the new decade. Applications can be downloaded to the cell phone for almost any need or desire and can also be used (not downloaded) in areas where there is no signal or Internet is not available.

Flashlight – There are a lot of flashlight apps for your smartphone. If you’re stuck in the woods and need light, or need a little extra lighting on your way to your seat at the theater, a flashlight on your smartphone is much more useful than using your regular phone light.

SOS/Morse Code Flasher: Some flashlight apps have an “SOS” or help setting, where you can send out SOS signals when you are in danger. Although it may not look as good as a fire, it still works and is a handy tool to keep on your phone.

Pocket First Aid – A great app for emergencies is a first aid app like “Pocket First Aid”. Although it may seem a little unwise to check your phone before performing the Heimlich maneuver, it’s useful for people who don’t know how to prevent shock or help someone with a heart attack.

iDistress – An iPhone app that sends an SMS (text message) and an email to three contacts simultaneously along with the users’ coordinates (up to street number) for extra response time. Dial a pre-selected number, to avoid the need to search for the contact in the address book. Similar apps can be downloaded for Blackberry and Android.

Emergency Radio: An emergency radio can be downloaded to your smartphone as it is designed to act as a police, fire, EMS, ATC, weather, rail and marine scanner. Very useful if there is no power near you.

Magnifying glass – magnifying glass apps are now available to download for almost every smartphone! Very important if you lose your glasses somewhere and need to read a sign or sign.

Clock: For people who are stuck in the woods or without electricity, the smartphone clock will not only tell them what time it is, but also what time zone. In addition, it will offer time in multiple areas if necessary.

Whistle – If you are in the woods and stuck somewhere, or very lost, save your energy and use the whistle app for smartphones.

Language Translator – In case you are stuck in an emergency in a foreign country, or VERY lost in your own, the language translator for smartphones will allow you to communicate with people in other languages. Although most apps don’t take slang or most idioms into account, it still allows for basic communication.

While battery life can run out, Blackberry and Android users can purchase additional batteries and use them in an emergency.

Although the smartphone can never replace the actual knife or tools of a Swiss Army knife, the smartphone can be a life-saving tool in an emergency.