GB2413782A

GB2413782A - A casualty harness for a vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: GB2413782A
Application number: GB0410397A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ennio Tabone; Damon Barrett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-08
Filing date: 2004-05-08
Publication date: 2005-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-05-08
Also published as: GB0410397D0; GB2413782B

Abstract

A device for extricating an injured person from a vehicle seat comprises a harness constructed from a plurality of lifting straps, possibly formed of webbing, located behind a seat cover. The harness is located beneath the seat cover so that in the event of a collision, necessitating the occupant being removed from the vehicle by the emergency services, a rip panel or zip fastening may be opened to reveal the harness. The occupant is then removed from the vehicle by way of the harness and seat cover being lifted by means of loops located at the ends of the straps.

Description

241 3782 TABAR extrication device Proposal for an integral

extrication/lifting device for the purpose of the removal of casualties from damaged motor vehicles (post collision) ensuring the minimal movement of the casualty during the removal from the vehicle thus minimizing any post collision spinal damage.

The device will be light in construction and is designed to be fitted behind existing seat covers initially in automobiles but with the potential to be adapted for use in other forms of transport.

It consists of lengths of an as yet unspecified material (carbon fibre?) connected by strong webbing to form a type of harness and will also have six lifting straps which will run behind the seat and be accessed by either a rip panel or zip fastening.

In the event of a collision where the occupant/s of the vehicle cannot be moved due to spinal or other injuries where further injuries could result from using conventional extrication methods, the rear straps are released from the seat and the whole device, including the seat cover is used to lift the patient from the vehicle.It is common practice for the roof/doors of the vehicle to be removed during any difficult extrication regardless of how the extrication is performed.

The device is to be known as the 'TABAR' the name being derived from the surnames of its inventors Ennio Tabone and Damon Barrett. This name may not be used for any other purpose.

The inventors feel the device will prove to be of great value to the emergency services in removing casualties from crashed vehicles firstly, as mentioned earlier by minimizing or even eliminating unecessary movement of the patient and secondly by saving time during the removal which can only be beneficial to the patient as the time taken from the initial incident to arriving at the hospital will be reduced.

It is envisaged that the device could be fitted to any vehicle with conventional seats either as an optional component or as a standard fitment.lt is not intended for use as a safety device to prevent injury during a collision but rather as a method of reducing to an absolute minimum any further injury during rescue Figure 1 1. Lifting strap at shoulder height 2. Lifting strap at waist level 3. Lifting strap at hip/pelvis level 4. Leg straps 5. Each strap adjustable for length and ending in loop Figure 2 Showing device in use 1. Tabar extrication device 2. Vehicle seat 3 Loops at end of straps Figure 3 1. Tabar extrication device (behind car seat cover) 2. Car seat cover 3. Zip/rip panel for access to device CLI\t

Claims

The device (to be referred to as a 'tabar' in this document) is to be used

during the removal of casualties from a crashed vehicle where the possibility exists of causing further injury other than that sustained during the initial collision/impact.

Members of the emergency services would access the tabar by ripping the back or sides of the car seat using the built in rip panel or zip fastening the straps, which will be adjustable for length, would then be easily deployed for use. The leg straps are used to secure the casualty's upper thighs as an added security measure. The main straps will be used to lift the patient (see drawing) in a smooth, controlled manner, from the vehicle minimizing any further injury. As can be seen from the drawings, the tabar and seat covering will be lifted as one. It will also be used in conjunction with a stiff neck collar which is standard practice at present.

All extrication aids currently in use are fitted onto the casualty whilst they are sitting in the car and can only be used by moving the patient forwards in order to fit them properly. Not only is this time consuming but existing injuries can be aggravated and new injuries may result. The advantages of using a tabar are therefore obvious. As mentioned before, no further unnecessary movement will be made and also the time taken to get the patient to the receiving hospital will be drastically cut. In addition, it's ease of use will require minimal training to be given to those who are required to use it.

Once at the hospital, emergency radiology examinations could be undertaken with the tabar in situ due to x-rays being able to pass through the materials from which it is constructed and also the normal materials used in car seat covers. This has been confirmed after consultation with hospital department radiologists.