GB2403422A

GB2403422A - Rescue stretcher with harness

Info

Publication number: GB2403422A
Application number: GB0314539A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Mark Edmondson
Original assignee: Heightec Group Ltd
Current assignee: Heightec Group Ltd
Priority date: 2003-06-21
Filing date: 2003-06-21
Publication date: 2005-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-21
Also published as: GB0314539D0; GB2403422B

Abstract

A stretcher contains an integral harness (3 and 4) for increased support and security of the occupant. A foot stirrup (10) may also be provided for the increased comfort of the occupant. Handles (1) are provided to assist in carrying the stretcher and a pocket (2) is provided for displaying important medical information.

Description

RESCUE STRETCHER

The invention relates to a stretcher containing a load bearing harness for the increased support and security of the occupant, particularly in situations where a fall might cause injury (when working at height or when the stretcher is being raised or lowered on a winch or rope for example).

Current stretchers for the rescue or transport of persons are well known but most only offer limited security if the stretcher is held at an angle to the horizontal. Few stretchers are designed for use in situations where fall protection equipment is required i.e. where a fall is likely to cause injury.

Existing designs do not provide a means of securing a casualty in accordance with known and accepted performance criteria for fall protection equipment.

Persons working at height are routinely provided with fall protection equipment of known and accepted performance criteria (e.g. those detailed in European and international standards). The support offered by existing designs is limited to the extent that it is common practice to place the person in a fall protection harness inside the stretcher when the occupant is at significant risk of a fall.

Fitting a separate harness is both complex and time consuming and requires significant movement of the person thus exacerbating any injuries which they any have.

With existing designs, the occupant of the stretcher is not automatically provided with fall protection of known and accepted performance criteria.

The invention provides a stretcher which offers fall protection via an integral harness element which will support a person in its own right and will meet known and accepted performance criteria for fall protection equipment. The invention will therefore keep the casualty secure in the event of the stretcher being angled, inverted or in case of a failure of the primary support means.

The integral harness is also very quick to fit thus saving valuable time in a rescue situation.

Figure 1 shows the layout of the stretcher with its closing straps, handles and harness. The harness is shown in the open position.

Figure 2 shows the foot stirrup and its retaining strap.

A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a flexible stretcher of a known type. This type of stretcher can be rolled up for ease of storage or transportation. In use the stretcher partially wraps around the occupant and is closed with a number of straps (8). This partial wrap provides protection to the occupant and also gives some rigidity to the stretcher. Handles (1) are provided around the periphery of the stretcher to assist in carrying, these are of sufficient strength as to act as hauling points to allow suspension from a rope or similar means.

Visual indicators, or similar are provided to assist the location of the stretcher and indicate the orientation of the casualty in conditions of decreased visibility.

A clear pocket (2) or other similar means is also provided for carrying and displaying medical or other important information.

In this embodiment the harness consists primarily of two V shaped straps.

One strap passes over the head (3) and the other between the legs (4), the straps join around the chest area by releasable means (5). Adjustment means (6) are provided on each strap such that a secure fit may be obtained. If required, the lower strap (4) may be used as a foot stirrup (10). This, or a separate foot stirrup, may be provided with an additional strap (11) to keep the stirrup in place around the feet. Said straps (3 & 4) are held in the open position by quick release means such that they may be quickly deployed when needed.

The harness is linked to the vertical hauling point of the stretcher (7) in such a way that it is directly attached to the support means of the stretcher e.g. rope.

The integral harness may also contain an attachment point (9) for an additional safety rope.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the stretcher incorporates a load bearing point or points to which a separate harness may be attached.

Claims

1. A stretcher incorporating a body holding device able to support a person in its own right and meeting known and accepted performance criteria for fall protection equipment.

2. A stretcher according to claim 1 containing a body holding device which can be fitted around the occupant without the need to move or manipulate the occupant.

3. A stretcher according to claim 1 containing a body holding device whereby said device is held in the open, ready to use position by quickrelease means

4. A stretcher according to claim 1, containing a method to indicate the location of the stretcher and the orientation of the occupant, when used in conditions of reduced visibility.

5. A stretcher according to claim 1, containing a system to display medical or other information about the occupant.

6. A stretcher substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

6. A stretcher according to claim 1 provided with a bridle for horizontal lifting whereby the angle may be adjusted whilst under load, via the bridle.

7. A stretcher according to claim 1 where the body holding device extends beyond the head of the stretcher to form a load bearing handle and hauling point.

8. A stretcher according to claim 1 where the body holding device can be used to provide a foot stirrup for the occupant.

9. A stretcher according to claim 1 or the preceding claim where the foot stirrup incorporates a means keeping it in place around the feet.

10. A stretcher substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A stretcher incorporating a harness element comprising two thigh straps and two shoulder straps, wherein the attachment point of the harness to the stretcher is at a point that is beyond the head of an occupant, and wherin the attachment point is secured to a load bearing vertical hauling handle or point.

2. A stretcher according to claim 1 wherein the stretcher is made from flexible reliable material for store.

3. A stretcher according to claim 2 wherein the position of the thigh straps in relation to the stretcher are such that when the stretcher is unrolled for use the thigh straps are positioned between the legs of an occupant.

4. A stretcher according to claim 2 wherein the position of the shoulder straps in relation to the stretcher are such that when the stretcher is unrolled for use the shoulder straps are positioned above the shoulders of an occupant. I 5. A stretcher according to claim 1 wherein the two thigh straps are releasably connected to the two shoulder straps.