I’m just an EDC guy who intermittently uses his flashlights at home and work. No being out hiking for days. No emergency or rescue work.
But, there have been several times over the years when having two flashlights proved more than just readiness.
A few quick examples . . .
Work not providing the tools I needed to do my job. Customer comes in post testing to perform physical inspection. Neither the customer nor PM have an inspection light. Hand my flashlight to the PM and use my second light to continue my work.
Working second shift. Thunderstorm knocks out electricity for the whole industrial park. We all “safely assemble” in the hall. Noticed a coworker terrified of the situation. Gave her my flashlight. She clutched her elbows tightly to her stomach and shown the beam up at her own face. The guard had no flashlight, comes to the assembled group looking for one. I agree to do a door check walk with her using my second flashlight.
Installed an arcade machine in a dark basement. Owner insists on plugging the unpowered cabinet wires in himself. Out comes my flashlight. Owner had trouble. I use my flashlight to help him while his brother used my spare to give us general lighting.
I bet some of you have more interesting and / or harrowing stories.