3
the stretcher support harness to come
into contact with any open wounds.
Don the stretcher support harness as
illustrated. Adjust the waist belt buckle
to achieve a snug fit that is not too tight.
Adjust the shoulder strap buckles so
that the fit is comfortable, and the waist
belt is maintained at waist level and will
not slip down under load.
Attaching the loaded stretcher
With the stretcher supported
separately, move into position between
the deployed and secured stretcher
carry handles.
Attach the stretcher support harness to
the handles on the stretcher by looping
each of the stretcher attachment straps
around the stretcher handle nearest
to it.
Adjust the length of the strap by pulling
on the free end, so that when loaded
the stretcher handle is within reach.
Ensure the strap is restrained and
cannot slide off the handle. Where a
hand guard is fitted to the stretcher
handle, the attachment strap may be
fitted through the hand guard and
around the handle by unclipping the
stretcher attachment strap adjustment
buckle and passing the free end through
the guard – do not support the load on
the guard only!
Once connected to the stretcher
handles, slowly transfer the load to the
carry harness. Assess the load applied
and if at any point the load on the
rescuer is considered uncomfortable
or excessive immediately provide
alternative support for the stretcher.
Do not use the stretcher support
harness where the loads applied to
the wearer may cause personal injury.
Consider other methods of transport.
Do not use the stretcher support
harness as a sole means of support. The
harness is intended as an aid to manual
support.
Inspection
The stretcher support harness should
be subject to:
•
Pre-use checks
•
Thorough inspections
•
Interim inspections (as appropriate)
All parts of the stretcher support
harness should be checked. Loosen all
straps and move connectors and buckles
to allow all parts to be fully inspected.
Do not dis-assemble the stretcher
support harness.
Check the webbing by passing it slowly
through the hands to detect small cuts
in the edges, cuts across the face of the
webbing, softening or hardening of the
fibres, abrasion, ingress of contaminants,
broken, cut or worn threads in the
stitching. Pay particular attention to the
stretcher attachment straps.
Check that all fastening and adjustment
buckles are undamaged and function
correctly.
The checks should be undertaken in
good light. Any item showing any defect
UI_LPP0027_17052.indd 3
18/04/2019 09:52:41
Downloaded from lyon.co.uk
