Short haul for litter tender

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Scott Richardson on March 27, 2008 at 1:33pm

Someone once said: "Work smarter, not harder. A jigger, piggyback or other means of mechanical advantage is just that, an advantage. My thought on these systems is this: If they are more efficient, if they save time, if they reduce rescuer fatigue and if they are safe, why not use them. Often times the edge we are ascending or descending determines the best location for the rescuer. The right system will make switching positions (above or below the stokes basket) much easier. I would, however still attach an etier or pursell prusiks to the side of the stokes away from the rescuer if they are below the stokes so they can step down and flip the stokes AWAY from them of the patient starts vomiting (lessons learned are fantastic aren't they!

Permalink Reply by Jim Rigstad on March 28, 2008 at 9:03pm

We usually carry a V-Vac in the basket to suction the airway rather than tipping the basket.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Schroeder on April 17, 2008 at 3:16pm

All of our members carry an aztec kit (small set of fours - 4:1) and is our standard attachment to an attended litter raise or lower. Allows us to adjust our postion with infinte detail. There is alot of industry in our response area and many times we have to lower ourselves below the litter to get through tight spots. The versatility is light years ahead of a standard etier or prussik foot loops.

Permalink Reply by John Power on April 17, 2008 at 11:12pm

I am familiar with the aztec kit but have never used it. Using a gibbs requires practice and is a bit clumsy in the beginning but it is less bulky than the aztec. Now I may be a bit prejudice since I have been using the gibbs and etrier since 85. I certainly agree that you need a means of rolling the litter, and positioning yourself to navigate terrain in or outside. I think whatever you train with and become comfortable with is your best bet. But the key is train with what you determine as YOUR best methodology and stay with it until you find something better.

Be Safe

Permalink Reply by Rudy Dinkins on May 22, 2008 at 6:00pm

I have to agree with Kevin, I have used the Aztek Set of Fours for a long time. I am still amazed at the the uses that we come up with on a routine basis. As far as litters go, the AZTEK can be used in several ways:

1) Tender positioning
2) Mid-Face Litter Scoop for suspended patients
3) Re-orienting Litter (Set of Fours or Purcell)
3) Edge Transition

I would encourage anyone who is not currently using a "jigger system" to study its benefit. The AZTEK is one of the most versatile tools that the rope rescue community has ever been provided with. If you have questions please go to RopesthatRescue.com or Rescueresponse.com. It is the best money I have ever spent on equipment.