'Rescue Reel' Device Inspired By 9/11 Attacks Seeks To Save High-Rise Fire Victims

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - It looks like something that Batman might use.

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, many security experts have been concerned about how to escape from a high-rise.

That's where the "Rescue Reel" comes in.

The device weighs about 22 pounds and is fire-engine red. Users would attach its large, yellow metal hook to something stable, like a door. The user would then step into a harness, which is similar to a child's safety swing. The harness clips to the back of the reel's housing. With the hook and harness attached, the reel pays out about 1,000 feet of line - suitable for scurrying down the sides of a building.

Watch the Rescue Reel demo video:

The reel limits the speed of the descent to 6 feet per second. There's also a user-controlled brake, in case one needs to avoid obstacles or stop on the way down. The cord itself is a fiber line.

It isn't cheap, though. The device is expected to cost around $2,000.

Dr. Kevin Stone, who developed the device, believes it will be ready for market in time for the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

Stone says the horrific leaps from the burning twin towers inspired him to develop the device.

"Knowing that I could reel in a 400 pound fish, I felt like I should be able to reel out a 400 pound person," Stone said.

Would you try this device? Good idea? Bad idea? Sound off in our comments section.