I have used flashlights and firecrackers or devices related to firecrackers so many times in my life it crazy.I always carry a noise/distraction type device or 3 .Full size FB are just to darn big.
I have used them in many ways a few examples have been...to avoid a fight,saved a few persons lives and still remained in the shadows,to raise hell so another agency could help me and not expose myself,to simulate gunfire,to avoid a animal attack,etc....thats to much info ..
Most of my crazy devices are not in public pics..I dont post all my tricks in pics...
A light and a noise device has saved my ass so many times...far more than a gun and way beyond a knife.