To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [MSAR] Rescue bag stretchers
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2005 19:06:50 -0400
One common problem for many MSAR teams is that they do not have the
equipment readily available to transport an injured person that can not
walk or ride out of their "find" location. A simple call on the radio
can produce the needed manpower to carry someone out horizontally, but
most often everyone will be wasting valuable time waiting for a frame
litter to arrive. The military has witnessed this same problem has has
utilized soft flexible canvas and/or polymer stretchers for some time now.
A mail order company called the Sportsman's guide
(www.sportsmansguide.com) is selling (new never issued) military
stretchers at some bargain prices ( I just purchased 3 of them). A
Czech version folds to about the size of a 1-liter bottle and is on sale
for $10 dollars and has 6-nylon webbing handled (a closed-cell foam
ground roll helps stabilize this version). A German version, which is
called a compact emergency stretcher sells for $30 dollar. The latter
of the two is about the size of a (thick sized) stadium cushion and as
has 3-built-in safety straps for patient packing, plus it has hard
handles for an 8 person carry. As you tell, I like the German model.
NOTE: These item may also be found in your local military surplus store
and I do not suggest to buy anything from only one source.
I realize that not all MSAR teams encourage their members to carry a
large amount of gear into the field and some teams do not train for
patient packaging, leaving the task of rescue duties to other SAR
resources. If your MSAR team likes new training ideas, then this
product may work for you. My team requires our members to carry most of
the items listed on the SAR Tech-II ready pack list, plus some MSAR
items. This gear is placed on or about the rider and mount. We try
very hard to provide a wide range of SAR services. Our team has been
training with flexible stretchers during the past year and we like them.
True there are some pro's and con's, but being able to carry someone
horizontally out of a dangerous place with a soft stretcher, but being
able to transport someone to a location where advanced support is
waiting can mean the difference of life or death.
If you like this kind of product, please TRAIN WITH IT before using it
on an injured person in the field. Military forces from around the
world have documented incidents where these type of stretchers saved
many lives. As with any other piece of MSAR gear, keep it in safe
working condition and inspect it before training. Personally, I believe
the highest level of training and the degree of preparedness should come
from the local level. Documenting your training and training with other
teams adds to your professionalism and reduces liability.