Mounted search and rescue

["IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>]

There are several types of litters in common use.
The pole litter (Army litter) is just that-- 2 poles and canvas in between
to hold the patient. Later versions use a folding steel bar to stiffen the
liter into a platform. It does nothing to immobilize a patient but can be
hung from loops installed in many military aircraft and jeep or bus racks.

The Stokes is a rigid device, invented for use in naval vessels where
patients had to be lifted through deck scuttles. Originally designed with
leg dividers to hold the patient in place these are not often found in
modern units. The metal frame provides rigidity, places to hook on patient
straps, and lift straps, and protects the patient from contact with the
ship. They are available in steel, titanium, steel and Fiberglass, and as
sleds.  They often come with patient straps, a wire screen liner and several
wooden slats. Available are pre-made vertical and horizontal lift harnesses,
and flotation kits for water use.  There are several rough country versions
that split in half so the pieces are back packable and or have a detachable
wheelbarrow type wheel system. Backboards and CID devices usually fit
inside.

The Scoop is a telescoping device that has a combination hinge and lock at
each end.  It is designed to scissor under a patient on the ground or other
surface to lift them off the ground and serves as a full body splint but has
no sides and should never be used without patient straps.

The Reeves is a canvas or coated canvas sheet, with 4,6, or 8 handholds. It
is often stiffened with wood battens lengthways.  It is most often used
where stairs or a dead body is encountered. Variants of the basic design,
with and without battens, with padding or absorbents for fluids, straps,
etc. exist.  Another variation is the Sked brand which rolls up. Because the
Reeves is flexible putting a patient in it almost automatically splints the
entire body. Another interesting concept I have used is a vacuum bed splint
where the patient is put on a bad of glass beads and the air is pumped out
of the bag, forcing it against the patient as a rigid surface. 

You will also see special sizes and shapes for use on aircraft, boats, and
off road medical units. 

Note to Tomi- The reason everybody was scared, including the horse, was the
lifting of the patient to saddle height and transferring his body (and
weight) across the horse.  The thought of dropping the patient was foremost
in everybody's mind.  If you try to use the good leg to mount normally you
are swing a splinted leg over, which is what you are not supposed to do, and
you cannot use the bad leg to take his weight either. 

Note to Jorene: Under PA Act 45, the EMS Act, licensed EMS medical providers
(ambulances) are entitled to bill for services rendered and usually bill the
patient's medical insurance providers but rarely attempt to collect from
individuals.  NY state allows billing for frivolous calls and false alarms
and has collected from several who tripped personal locator beacons for a
ride home.  One teenager in Chester County PA was sentenced to restitution
after faking a fall into a quarry that caused his companions to call in a
drowning while he went to Disney World. I believe that ambulance services
all over the world are allowed to bill for services rendered.  The only
difference is who they bill: the patient, the insurance company, or AAA.

Under the revised PA EMS Act, SB1204, (5/22/07 pending) all wilderness
providers (even first aid) will have to become licensed agencies consisting
of individual providers under the category of special operations EMS
agencies.  There is no funding to get a license but a licensed agency can
apply for EMS funding, like the AFA, SAFER, and other programs. And we can
bill insurance companies, maybe.  


-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Una Smith
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2009 7:32 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Transport via horse