4 engineering students at Dalhousie University, Patrick Hennessey, Brad MacKeil, Mason Landry & Cal Thompson, were researching ideas for their final year capstone project. The 4 interviewed professionals in various industries about what they didn’t like about their job. They came across an ER doctor who expressed frustration with ring cutters being ineffective and time-consuming.

After approval of their idea by the University, the 4 began building a compression device to shrink finger size and hopefully reduce the need for ring cutting. They spent the next 8 months researching, developing and testing the device on a silicone finger.

Pictured L: Finger analogue developed for testing. Pictured R: Initial design, with microcontroller and electric pump

The 4 engineering students present their project and win the best project out of their entire class. Dr. Kevin Spencer, an ER doc and judge at the fair, was intrigued by their invention.

Capstone project poster can be seen here.

Two of the students, Patrick Hennessey and Brad MacKeil reconnected with Dr. Spencer and decided to incorporate the company and pursue commercialization of the compression device.

The team worked tirelessly on research, product development, various iterations of the device, regulatory and safety requirements, etc.

Ring Rescue Inc. fulfilled and shipped their first Compression Device kit. Complete with the Compression Device and Non-hydrating Lubricant, this was a huge milestone for the company as their solution was ready for use by professionals in healthcare, fire/EMS, jewelry and funeral services.

Ring Rescue Inc. shipped their first international order overseas. This was another big step for the company as they become the authority in stuck ring removal not only in North America, but worldwide.

The team received U.S. patent for the Ring Rescue Compression Device.

"Our awarded patent is the culmination of a significant effort by our team. It is validation that our solution is unique and represents an important milestone for the company as we grow.” -Co-founder, Patrick Hennessey

The Ring Rescue Team continued to grow in size and adapt fluidly to the changes in the business environment caused by COVID-19. Product development was well underway as excitement grew to bring more solutions to market.

Ring Rescue Inc. introduces for the first time the beta prototype of the world’s safest ring cutter in the world that can cut any ring metal at the 2021 ACEP Scientific Assembly.

Co-founders Kevin Spencer and Patrick Hennessey pitched on CBC’s Dragon’s Den in Toronto, Canada. Spoiler alert - they made a deal in the Den!

After over 2 years of development, the Ring Rescue Kit, including the NEW Dolphin Ring Cutter is now shipping to customers. This is a huge milestone for the company, and is defining the standard of care for stuck ring removal.