A New Stretcher For The CERT Team
We asked for a stretcher to be made for the CERT Team.. Someone was listening. Today we received a prototype model to test. The pictures are below. The craftsman who built it went to the fire stattion and worked with one of the firemen to get the design we wanted.
What we wanted it to be was a backboard stretcher . We also needed it to have features that are not available on a regular stretcher. A regular stretcher is made for two or four people to heft. We need it to adapt to our age and reduced lifting ability. This one can actually have 8 people lifting. Given the size of some of us bigg-uns we need that extra lifting ability.
By having the ability to have more people lifting it also gives us a better use of our resources. It won't have to be all strong men lifting .. the ladies will be able to lift this stretcher too or a combination of both. This means the CERT team will be able to stay in the field doing rescues while others can do transport with only one CERT team member supervising the transport.
Carrying the stretcher long distances is also tiring. So a set of swivel wheels was attached to the bottom of the rig. It is possible for one person to move or pull the rig easily when it is loaded once clear of obstacles.
The rig itself is light weight and can be moved by one person in and out of a building.
Nothing is for sure a good deal untill it passes the test of having been used. That is why this is a prototype. AT this Wednesday CERT Drill we will be testing out our new stretcher. I will be the heavy weight that is lifted at one point. Other practice will be done with the fire dept. dummy. It weighs 185lbs.
We could use some ladies and gentlemen to help fill in the extra slots on the stretcher to help us understand what it is we have to know about using this equipment. Come share the fun .. lend a hand ... 11:00 AM Wednesday at the clubhouse.
No comments:
Post a Comment