More advanced IOS topics here.
The c1700 routers seem to run CTRL+ SHIFT + 6 as an escape sequence (break traceroutes & etc) but my 2950 switch didn't seem to function the same way (it does if pressed twice). Fortunately this can be changed!
Appears to be dependent on your connection: console / vty can have different escape sequences saved in the config.
SW1-TOP(config)#line vty 0 15 SW1-TOP(config-line)#escape-character ? BREAK Cause escape on BREAK CHAR or <0-255> Escape character or its ASCII decimal equivalent DEFAULT Use default escape character NONE Disable escape entirely soft Set the soft escape character for this line SW1-TOP(config-line)#escape-character 3 ** Sets the sequence to CTRL + C -- a standard UNIX sequence