Below are listed the important points to be considered before transporting the casualty.
The following two pages contain illustrated guides showing the methods of transporting
a casualty in the Saviour Technical stretcher.
Any injuries present MUST be taken into account before packaging and transporting
a casualty. If neck injuries are present, or suspected, a Cervical collar MUST be used.
Medical devices should be fitted by a suitably qualified person.
Points to remember:
•
Counter bending each end of the stretcher will allow it to lay flat after removing from bag.
•
Depending on the weight of the casualty 4 to 6 persons are required to ensure a efficient carry.
•
Select a team leader or first aider to issue all instructions to effect a smooth transport.
•
Elect a team member to be the ‘casualties friend’ (preferably a first aider if injuries are involved)
whose job it is to make sure the casualty is not distressed during the evacuation.
•
Chose a evacuation route before commencing (plan ahead). If there are unavoidable obstacles
extra rescuers may be placed in readiness to help the main carry party.
•
If possible select a team of similar height to keep the casualty level. It is preferable to keep the
casualty slightly head up. When travelling down slope carry the casualty feet first.
When carrying up slope carry the casualty head first.
•
The Saviour Technical stretcher has a low co-efficient of friction and must be secured at all times
when on slopes or it may slide under the weight of the casualty. This is best effected by fitting the
lifting strops into the head haul eyelets and attaching a suitable rope (recommended to be at
least Class A EN1891 semi static) The rescuer securing the stretcher must be secure to prevent
accidental slipping. This is especially important on steep slopes.
•
The Foot Strap must not be used to lift the stretcher. It is to guide the stretcher when negotiating
slopes or past obstacles.
•
When dragging a casualty remember that the stretcher is a relatively thin skin so choose the route
with care.
•
When evacuating up or down a steep slope a head rope should be used deployed from a suitably
secured haul team. Rescuers may lift the stretcher whilst the haul party undertakes a co-ordinated
haul (or lower) to ensure a smooth passage. On steep slopes the security of the individual rescuers
must be addressed.
•
If the Saviour Technical stretcher is vertically lifted or lowered then it is recommended that the
casualty is secured by a separate lifeline that is belayed separately to the haul rope. To attach the
lifeline to the casualty it is recommended that is correctly attached to a full body harness fitted to
the casualty. Do not use any other part or component of the stretcher to attach a security lifeline.
•
The Saviour Technical stretcher , with a casualty in place, may be fitted directly into a suitable
basket stretcher without decanting the casualty.
The life, security and safety of the casualty is in the hands of the rescue team and all steps
must be taken that a safe evacuation is achieved.
Saviour Technical Stretcher: noTeS on TRanSpoRTinG The caSualTY
