8
Important Considerations when using
Roll Up Stretchers
The Slix range of stretchers are 'Roll Up'
stretchers designed to be used in the most
extreme conditions.
All Roll Up stretchers they are to a degree
flexible which gives the ability to evacuate
casualties from situations where rigid
stretchers would not be suitable or may not
even reach.
Users must be aware that Roll Up
stretchers do have limitations and training
must take into account the physical
properties of Roll Up stretchers.
We recommend that a spinal splint or a
spinal backboard is always used - even
when spinal injuries are not present or
suspected - to increase casualty comfort
and to prevent respiratory compromise
when in transition from the horizontal to the
vertical mode and when dragging the
casualty over a surface.
Roll up stretchers should not be carried by
lifting 'head & tail' unless good spinal
support is provided with a spine board or
spinal splint.
Care must be taken when moving from the
horizontal to vertical mode. Support around
the shoulder area should be provided as
the transition takes place. At least one
person supporting each side is a very good
precaution.
It is possible to provide support by utilising
the shoulder level attachment points. By
connecting to a haul line via a 'V' hang.
This will allow the haulers to lift the
stretcher from horizontal to vertical without
undue bending of the stretcher,
compromising the casualty. Once the
stretcher is in the vertical mode, and clear
of the floor, the main head haul may be
utilised.
Care must be taken when landing a Roll Up
stretcher at the head of a vertical section,
particularly when there is low head room.
Adequate support must be given until the
casualty is horizontal, and safe!
Horizontal to Vertical Transition.
Shown is a example of rigging to assist in
the horizontal - vertical transition.
The RED rope is attached via a Double Fig
8 or Double Bowline 'V' hang to the RED
Stretcher Haul point at the shoulder level,
using suitable karabiners.
The BLUE Rope is attached in a similar
manner to the BLUE head haul points.
The main load is taken on the RED to lift
the stretcher from the horizontal into the
vertical mode.
The BLUE ROPE is taken in at the same
time BUT NO LOAD is applied until the
stretcher is fully in the Vertical mode.
