RESCUE SYSTEMS 1
UNIT 2: ROPE RESCUE AND RELATED EQUIPMENT
TOPIC:
INTRODUCTION TO THE RESCUE LITTER
TIME FRAME:
0:30
LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION:
Level I
BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVE:
Condition:
A written quiz
Behavior:
The student will confirm a knowledge of two different types of
rescue litters and their maintenance
Standard:
With a minimum 80% accuracy according to the information
contained in the Rescue Systems 1 Student Manual, SFT,
2000, Chapter 13
MATERIALS NEEDED:





Writing board with markers/erasers
Appropriate audiovisual equipment
Appropriate audiovisual materials
Plastic rescue litter
Steel frame rescue litter
REFERENCES:

Rescue Systems 1 Student Manual, SFT, 2000
PREPARATION:
Once victim contact is made on an emergency scene, it
becomes the rescuers’ responsibility to maintain the victim’s
stability. The most common method of maintaining victim
stabilization during extrication is with a rescue litter. It is
imperative that the rescuer understands the limitations and
the applications for each type of rescue litter and the different
methods they can be rigged. Improper use of rescue litters
may further injure the victims or cause injury to the rescuers.
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Unit 2 - Topic 31
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RESCUE SYSTEMS 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE RESCUE LITTER
PRESENTATION
I.
USE
A.
Provides protection for a victim
1.
II.
APPLICATION
Stabilizes their injuries
B.
Allows rescuers to raise and/or lower a victim
C.
Allows rescuers to transport a victim over uneven
terrain
CONSTRUCTION
A.
B.
C.
Steel frame rescue litter
1.
Main frame
2.
Ribs
3.
Skids
4.
Inserts
a)
Chicken wire
b)
Nylon mesh
Plastic rescue litter
1.
Main frame
2.
Plastic shell
Attachment points
1.
Horizontal attachment
a)
Steel frame litter
1)
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December 2000
Carabiners around main frame
between small rib struts

Prevents carabiners from
moving up or down on the
main frame

Gates down and in
Unit 2 - Topic 31
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RESCUE SYSTEMS 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE RESCUE LITTER
PRESENTATION
b)
Plastic litter
1)
2.
III.
Wrap with 5' multi loop sling around
mainframe at hand holds, attach
carabiner to sling

Prevents carabiners from
moving up and down on the
main frame

Gates down and in
Vertical attachment
a)
Head of the rescue litter
b)
Avoid wrapping rope or webbing around
the weld at the head of the rescue litter
1)
3.
APPLICATION
May abrade rope or webbing
Guy line(s)
a)
Rope or webbing attached to the main
frame of the rescue litter to allow rescuers
to guide the litter over obstructions during
raising and lowering operations
b)
Attached to the head and/or foot of the
rescue litter
MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
A.
B.
Inspect for
1.
Bends, cracks, or breaks in the main frame
2.
Broken welds
3.
Broken or cracked plastic shell
4.
Damage to inserts
Cleaning
1.
Soap and water
2.
Decontaminate as necessary per department
protocol
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Unit 2 - Topic 31
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RESCUE SYSTEMS 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE RESCUE LITTER
PRESENTATION
C.
APPLICATION
Things to avoid
1.
Direct sunlight
2.
Painting
a)
3.
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December 2000
Impedes inspection
Dragging over surfaces
Unit 2 - Topic 31
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RESCUE SYSTEMS 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE RESCUE LITTER
SUMMARY:
To move injured persons in a rescue system, the use of rescue litters will prove invaluable.
Having a complete understanding of the terminology and types of rescue litters will improve
your ability to rescue a victim.
EVALUATION:
The student will complete a written quiz at a time determined by the instructor.
ASSIGNMENT:
Review your notes and read Chapter 13 in your Rescue Systems 1 Student Manual, SFT,
2000 in order to prepare for the upcoming quiz. Study for the next session.
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Unit 2 - Topic 31
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