Those of you that carry a rescue sled, I assume that it’s group gear, as in no need for multiples within one party? Also, do you have days you don’t carry it? For instance, touring somewhere that you know SAR would be available within a few hours?
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Those of you that carry a rescue sled, I assume that it’s group gear, as in no need for multiples within one party? Also, do you have days you don’t carry it? For instance, touring somewhere that you know SAR would be available within a few hours?
I’m looking at options for a rescue sled to leave in a backcountry ski cabin. This seems burly and reasonably affordable, just wondering if anyone has any experience or thoughts regarding it’s functionality?
https://www.amazon.ca/Portable-Multi...f&gad_source=1
We use the cascade rescue sked. Works well for a lightweight litter.
https://cascade-rescue.com/skedco-sk...etcher-system/
I would be cautious with the Chinese knock-off for any high angle or heli lifting of the stretcher. Probably fine for ground transport for at least one use.
I would consider it group gear for sure. I usually treat group gear as "if I have it, the group has it."
My plan for a rescue sled is it'll always be with me, but not necessarily ON me. It might stay in the car if I'm touring close to the road. It might stay on the sled if I'll be touring close to that. I'll carry it if I'm going to be more remote, and especially if it's just me and a single partner.
I carry an Alpine Threadworks rescue sled whenever I’m in the backcountry on foot or snowmobile. I’ve trained with it a bunch and have had to drag someone out with one just one time. They make for great improvised shelters or even just a wind break when needed. The new Hyperlite Mountain Gear tarp/sled looks like a nice incremental improvement.
I usually consider one tarp/sled per group as adequate unless the group is likely to split in the field. The biggest benefit I see from having it in case of real trauma is as a hypo wrap to keep the patient marginally warmer if possible.
Whatever you carry, make sure you’ve practiced with it and know what pieces you need to carry in your kit to actually make it work in the field.
I have a kit made by Donny Roth which is very similar to the brooks range sled I could sell if anyone is looking for that style. I just don’t carry it.
There's a ton of factors here. How many in the group or proximity to other groups to assist with an evacuation? Skiing with a larger group means higher likelihood of an injury (just more people to potentially get injured) but greater potential for being able to move the subject with a lot of people.
If just a pair of skiers: There's a lot of factors involved in how far one person can drag an injured person in the tarp (snow depth, terrain, size of each person, etc) Probably better off going for help in that situation. If you can reach SAR via Cell or satellite, you might be able to move the subject on the tarp to a more sheltered area if evacuation is going to be a while or an open area for heli-evac.
I finally received the Smiley tarp and it's only 7.5 oz. I see this going in the pack a lot. Photo attached for size reference.
Another option out of Quebec with some unique features.
Attachment 509956
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN-5I9LQxeI
a good how-to by Neil Warren the maker of the packs and rescue tarps
he demo'ed it personaly for us during a down day at GAH
I jumped on one of his trips last minute, Neil runs a good fully catered and guided show which I could recommend