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HomeMy WebLinkAbout306.017 - Sked Stretcher Effective Date: April 2020 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 306.017 Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 1 of 5 Fresno City Fire Department 300 Training and Equipment Manual SECTION 306.017 SKED STRETCHER PURPOSE The purpose of this procedure is to explain the use and operation of the SKED Stretcher carried by the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department). APPLICATION The SKED stretcher is not designed as a spinal immobilization device; however, it does provide excellent patient support and protection. OPERATIONAL POLICY This section intentionally left blank. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE If a spinal injury is suspected, all local EMS protocols should be followed. PROCESS 1. Unpacking the SKED: a) Remove the SKED from its pack and place it on the ground. b) Unfasten the retainer strap. Step on the foot end of the SKED and unroll it completely to the opposite end. c) Bend the SKED over your forearm and back roll. Repeat with the opposite end of stretcher. In cold weather, it may be necessary to reverse roll it twice. d) The SKED stretcher will now lay flat. Effective Date: April 2020 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 306.017 Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 2 of 5 2. Placing a Patient on the SKED: a. Prior to loading the SKED, release all cobra buckles and pull the straps to one side. b. Feet first Method: i. Prior to placing a patient onto the SKED feet first, curl the head end downward to form a ramp and prevent it from snagging the patient’s clothing. ii. Tuck the drag webbing under the SKED. Grasp the patient’s legs and drag while keeping legs low. iii. Continue dragging until the patient’s chest is even with the upper cross strap. iv. Secure all buckles and adjust all straps for transport. c. Head-first Method: i. Curl the foot end downward to form a ramp and pull the foot end straps to the side. ii. Using forearms to prevent lateral movement of the patient’s head, grasp the underarms and drag in line with the spine onto the SKED. iii. Continue dragging until the patient’s chest is even with the upper cross strap. iv. Secure all buckles and adjust all straps for transport. 3. Lift/Decent: a. Horizontal Method: i. Insert one end of the head strap through the angled slot at the head end of the SKED. ii. Bring the strap under the SKED and through the angled slot on opposite side of the SKED. iii. Equalize the strap. Repeat the procedure with the other strap at the foot end of the SKED. Effective Date: April 2020 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 306.017 Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 3 of 5 iv. Equalize all four straps and secure the ends with the large steel locking carabiner. b. Vertical Method 1: i. Prior to lifting/decent, the head end must be curled over the patient’s head to protect from falling debris. ii. Insert the vertical lift sling rope through the grommets above the patient’s head. iii. Thread the rope through the bottom of the grommets from the inside out. Tie the rope in a square knot at the lower end of the SKED. c. Vertical Method 2: i. For extremely small openings, leave the head end extended. Begin threading the rope through the grommets by the patient’s shoulders. ii. Continue threading through the grommets with the rope on each side of the SKED. iii. Thread the rope through the bottom grommets from the inside out. iv. Tie the rope in a square knot at the lower end. v. Pass the ends of the rope through the lower carry handles from the outside-in and tie another square knot. vi. Tie an overhand knot on each side of the square knot for safety. INFORMATION Drag handle is at the head for patient safety. Four sewn-on carrying handles attached by grommets ensure a secure, safe lift. Four additional handles can be used to carry obese patients. Flexible, medium-density polyethylene plastic. Easy to roll and unroll, and durable. Does not absorb chemicals, making it easy to decontaminate. Weighs 11 lbs and 17 lbs with all accessories inside the pack. A pair of horizontal lift slings, rated to 18,000 lbs each in basket configuration. Cobra side-release buckles are the strongest and safest in the industry, rated to 3,000 lbs. Tested by the U.S. Military for over two years before being deployed. Airworthy Release issued. Nylon static kernmantle rescue rope rated to 6,000 lbs. The rope is UL certified to NFPA and is the same type of rope used by firefighters. Tow strap with integrated handles. Steel carabiner rated at 9,000 lbs. No assembly required for normal use. Effective Date: April 2020 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer Current Revision Date: 05/23/2025 Section 306.017 Next Revision (1) Date: 05/23/2027 Page 5 of 5 The following links are available for additional information: SKEDCO Instructions and User Manual Rolling and Unrolling the SKED Stretcher Packaging a Patient Vertical lift and Horizontal lift DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank. CROSS-REFERENCES No cross-references recognized.