After introducing a hands-free "human backpack", Israeli tactical gear manufacturer Agilite is back with a hands-free solution that allows injured troops to lie flat and be carried to safety. Unlike other stretchers that keep the hands occupied, the FlatEvac sets both hands free. Troops are able to handle their weapons, navigation instruments and other tools while simultaneously carrying their injured battle mate.
According to Agilite, its Injured Personnel Carrier, originally used by the Israeli Army, has been picked up by military units, search and rescue teams and special forces around the world, including the U.S. Marines and British Army. The back-strapping rescue system is valuable for single-person rescue efforts in which the wounded can be carried vertically on the back.
"We had already solved the issue of the one-one-one hands-free carry and one of our team suggested we have a crack at improving the age-old four man stretcher carry, and the FlatEvac came to life," explains Elie Isaacson, Head of Strategic Development at Agilite.
The FlatEvac replaces the bulky traditional stretcher with foldable ultralight fabric and straps. The injured party lies on the fabric, and two or four people carry him with the shoulder straps. The weight is transferred to the shoulders and back, rather than the arms, and keeps everyone's hands free. The FlatEvac also has four corner handles for more traditional carrying, and a drag option that allows a single person to transport an injured party.
The FlatEvac is significantly more compact and lightweight than other stretcher options, measuring just 10 x 16 inches (25 x 40 cm) when folded. It weighs 3.13 pounds (1.42 kg).
The FlatEvac is already being used by the Israeli military, and Agilite hopes to supply other militaries around the world. It is also available to civilians and could be useful as an emergency self-rescue device for sports like backpacking. It retails for US$104.50 and is available from tacticaldistributors.com.
Source: Agilite Gear
