Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RESCUE DEVICE
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to rescue devices.
Background
[0002] Previously, victims requiring rescue from confined spaces
could be immobilized in a vest-type harness. US Patent No. 4,422,454,
describes a vest-type harness for use in supporting victims while they are
extricated from confined spaces. This vest-type harness includes a
cervical collar, a lower body support adapted to encircle the lower back
and chest of the victim, an upper body support adapted to overlie the
upper back of the victim, and a head support adapted to overlie the back
of the neck and at least a portion of the head of the victim. The vest-type
harness includes chest straps for securing the lower body portion to the
victim. Groin strap means are mounted to the outside surface of the
lower body support and lie under the victims buttocks to prevent the
harness from slipping. A single reinforcing stay extends vertically along
the head support portion and lower body support to substantially
immobilize the full length of the spine and head of the victim.
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,593,788 also discloses a vest-type harness.
This harness includes a padded head immobilizer and padded body vest,
including a removable spine stiffener to immobilize the area around the
spinal cord. The harness includes shoulder straps and groin straps to
restrict movement of the harness on the victim. Lifting loops are attached
to the harness for attaching a rescue line.
[0004] US Patent Application No. 2004/0088794 discloses an
emergency stretcher. The stretcher has a single center base panel formed
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of a flexible sheet material. A pair of opposite, flexible, side torso flap
members are arranged to be cinched against the sides of the torso of a
victim to secure the victim to the stretcher. The stretcher may be used for
dragging a victim from an injury site.
[0005] There is a need for an improved rescue devices.
Summary of Invention
[0006] This invention relates to rescue devices. Rescue devices
according to the invention may be used to extricate patients from
confined spaces. Such devices can be particularly useful in vertical
extrications. In one embodiment, the rescue devices are incorporated into
a rescue harness. Other applications of the device will be apparent to
persons skilled in the art.
[0007] In one embodiment, the device comprises a floating head
support slidably attached to a back support. The floating head support
also comprises one or more straps for securing a patient's head to the
head support. The rescue device can comprise straps for securing the
patient to the back support. Once the patient is secured to the device, the
floating head support allows a patient's head to float within the rescue
device, even when the patient is moved from a horizontal position to a
vertical position, and vice versa. In another embodiment of the invention,
rescue device comprises straps for securing a patient to a harness or other
rescue apparatus. In another embodiment, the rescue device comprises a
harness protector to protect harnesses from abrasion.
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the rescue devices are
incorporated as part of a rescue harness. The harness comprises a mantle
adapted for wrapping around a patient's arms and torso, a pocket in the
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mantle for carrying the back support to protect the patient's spine, one or
more straps attached to the mantle for attaching means to lift the harness,
and chest straps for securing the mantle around the patient's arms and
torso and securing the back support to the patient. The chest straps are
attached to the mantle and secured to one another across the patient's
chest with a fastener. Because the chest straps are secured to one another
across the patient's chest, the straps do not move up against the patient's
throat and head, nor do the straps slip down towards the patient's waist.
[0009] The harness also comprises leg straps which attach to the
mantle to form leg loops. The harness optionally includes a removeable
harness protector which is adapted to attach to the back of the harness to
protect the harness from abrasion.
[0010] The back support can be adapted to be inserted into the
pocket of the mantle of the harness, the back support comprising means
for slidably attaching the head support to the back support. The head
support has straps for securing the patient's head in the head support. The
head support can slide freely, or float, longitudinally along the back
support.
[0011] In other embodiments of the invention, the floating head
support, chest straps, and harness protector can be adapted for use with
other harnesses and rescue apparatuses. For example, the floating head
support is particularly useful with other harnesses, back supports, and
rescue apparatuses, such as a rescue basket, which are used to vertically
extricate a patient, since the floating head support can help to reduce
strain and discomfort on a patient's head, neck, and spine when the
patient is moved from a horizontal to a vertical position, and vice versa.
The chest straps can be used with any other harnesses, back supports, and
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rescue apparatuses to more soundly secure a patient, particularly in
situations where the patient must be moved into different positions,
including vertical, horizontal, or lateral positions, in order to be
extricated. The harness protector is particularly useful to protect
harnesses that are used in environments which are abrasive.
[0012] Further details of the invention are described herein.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0013] In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention
and which are intended to be construed in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense:
[0014] Figure 1 is a front view of a rescue harness according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0015] Figure 2 is a back view of a rescue harness according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0016] Figure 3 is front isometric view of the back support
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Figure 4 is front isometric view of the back support
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0018] Figure 5 is front isometric view of the head support
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] Figure 5a is an end perspective view of the head supporting
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] Figure 6 is a front isometric view of the head support
according to another embodiment of the invention.
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[0021] Figure 7 is a back view of the harness protector according to
one embodiment of the invention.
[0022] Figure 8 is a back view of the harness protector according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0023] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the harness protector according
to another embodiment of the invention attached to a harness.
[0024] Figure 10 is a front isometric view of a patient secured into
the rescue harness according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 11 is top isometric view of the head support attached
to the back support according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] Figure 12 is an end perspective view of the head support
attached to the back support according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] Figure 13 is a top view of the head straps of the head support
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Figure 14 is an end perspective view of a head support
attached to the back support according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] Figure 15 is a side view of a patient secured to the rescue
harness with the harness protector according Figure 9 attached to the
harness.
[0030] Figure 16 is a partial side and back view of a patient secured
to the rescue harness with the harness protector according to Figure 9
attached to the harness.
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[0031] Figure 17 is a bottom perspective of the harness protector
according to Figure 7.
[0032] Figure 18 is a side perspective view of the harness protector
according to Figure 7.
[0033] Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of the harness
protector according Figure 8.
[0034] Figure 20 is a side perspective view of the harness protector
according to Figure 8.
[0035] Figure 21 is a bottom view of the harness protector
according to Figure 7 attached to the harness according to an embodiment
of the invention.
Description
[0036] Throughout the following description, specific details are set
forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention.
However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In
other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described
in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the
specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather
than a restrictive, sense.
[0037] In the field of rescue, it was previously thought that effective
spinal immobilization could be accomplished by splinting a patient's
spine, neck and head. This has influenced many prior art harness designs.
However it is now well known in the field of medicine that spinal
stabilization can only truly be accomplished by means of head-to-toe
immobilization. However, in many rescue situations, including confined
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space rescues, or rescues requiring vertical extrication of a patient, it is
not physically or temporally possible to perform these types of
immobilization procedures. In some situations, it is prudent to effect
minimally required patient stabilization and remove the patient from an
unsafe environment to an area where, if necessary, full body
immobilization can be implemented. In certain situations, including
situations where a patient must be moved from a horizontal to a vertical
position, and vice versa, it is also important to address the discomfort,
tension, or even injury that may occur to the patient's neck and spine if
the position of the patient's head relative to the patient's body is not
allowed to adjust within the harness apparatus when the patient is moved
from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and vice versa.
[0038] The invention relates to rescue devices. In one embodiment,
the rescue device comprises a floating head support slidably attached to a
back support. The floating head support comprises one or more straps for
securing the patient's head. The back support may comprise straps for
securing a patient to the back support. In another embodiment, the rescue
device comprises straps for securing a patient to a harness or other rescue
apparatus. The straps can be attached to the harness or other rescue
apparatus and are attached across the patient's chest to secure the patient
to the harness or rescue apparatus. In another embodiment, the rescue
device comprises a harness protector to protect harnesses from abrasion.
[0039] The rescue devices can be incorporated into a number of
different rescue apparatuses which would be apparent to a person skilled
in the art, including a rescue harness. One such embodiment of a rescue
harness is described herein.
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[0040] The rescue harness of one embodiment of the invention can
be used for vertical rescues, particularly from confined spaces. However,
the harness can also be used in other rescue situations which would be
appreciated by a person skilled in the art. For example, the rescue
harness can be adapted for rescuing patients from steep or high angle
locations and confined space environments such as found in crane towers,
barges, tanks, collapsed structures, or crevices. The harness can also be
used for rescuing patients where the patient is in a sitting position in a
restricted space, such as in a vehicle.
[0041] The harness can be wrapped over the patient's arms and
torso, effectively immobilizing, controlling, and protecting the patient's
upper body. The harness provides a narrow patient profile while
protecting the patient. Spinal protection is provided by a rigid back
support that will not flex when the harness is dragged over an
unsupported edge. The harness of the invention is simpler to apply than
prior art harnesses, as it requires fewer straps to secure the patient in the
harness. Head stabilization is achieved by securing the patient's head to a
head support with detachable straps. An optional hard collar can also be
applied. The harness can also comprise a harness protector for protecting
the harness against abrasion.
[0042] Figure 1 is a front view of a rescue harness 10 in a laid-open
configuration. Rescue harness 10 comprises a mantle 12 made of a
durable, flexible material, such as nylon. Other suitable materials may
also be used for mantle 12. The harness also includes a head support 14
for holding a patient's head which includes straps 16 for immobilizing the
head.
[0043] Mantle 12 comprises a pocket 18, which is oriented
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generally vertically along the length of mantle 12. Pocket 18 can receive
a back support 20 for supporting a patient's spine. Pocket 18 includes
one or more closures 22, such as a flock and loop closure or other suitable
closure, which allows back support 20 to be easily removed and inserted.
Closures 22a and 22b are located at different lengths along pocket 18.
This allows back supports of different lengths, as illustrated in Figures 3
and 4, to be inserted into pocket 18. Shorter back supports, such as back
support 20b shown in Figure 4, can be used, for example, with patients
who must be immobilized in a sitting position. Mantle 12 can also
comprise one or more slots 17, which allow head support 14 to pass
through the top surface of pocket 18 and attach to back support 20. As
will be described later, straps 16 are attached to head support 14 and used
to immobilize the patient's head in head support 14. Fasteners 21 on
mantle 12 can be used to additionally secure mantle 12 to back support 20
by attaching to fastener receivers 23 of back support 20. Such fasterners
21 can be snap fasteners or other fasteners known to persons skilled in the
art.
[0044] A lifting
ring 24 to which a rescue line can be attached is
located on the top of harness 10. Lifting ring 24 is made of a strong
material, such as metal, which is capable of carrying a load. As illustrated
in Figure 2, which is a back view of an embodiment of harness 10, lifting
ring 24 can be attached to reinforcement straps 30, which are sewn into or
otherwise attached to mantle 12 and centre strap 32, which is also sewn
into or otherwise attached to mantle 12 along the vertical length of mantle
12. Such straps bear the weight of the patient when a patient is being
lifted in the harness. When a patient is securely strapped into the harness,
the patient can be vertically lifted by attaching a rescue line to lifting
ring
24. Although it is disclosed that lifting ring 24 is attached to centre strap
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32 and reinforcement straps 30, other suitable strapping configurations
could also be used to attach lifting ring 24. Such configurations would be
known to persons skilled in the art. It is contemplated that all straps of
harness 10 are made from continuous pieces of webbing, but may also be
made from separate pieces of strapping material sewn together or
otherwise integrated together.
[0045] The arms and torso of a patient can be strapped into rescue
harness 10 by wrapping mantle 12 around the patient's arms and torso
and securing mantle 12 across the patient's chest by attaching chest straps
26 to each other using floating fastener 28. As illustrated in Figure 2,
chest straps 26a are sewn into or otherwise attached to mantle 12,
extending from center strap 32, near y-shaped tail 44, and generally
following the lower outside edge of mantle 12. Such a configuration of
chest straps 26a helps maintain structural integrity between the straps and
mantle 12, and to facilitate wrapping of a patient. However, chest straps
26a can also be sewn into or otherwise attached to mantle 12 in other
suitable configurations to facilitate the wrapping of harness 10 around a
patient.
[0046] Chest straps 26b, which are the portions of chest straps 26
which are not attached to mantle 12, are adjustable to ensure a secure fit
of harness 10 around the patient. The ends of chest straps 26b are
threaded through chest strap buckles 34, which allow the straps to be
easily adjusted and tightened across the patient's chest. The ends of chest
strap 26b on each side of harness 10 can be threaded through the chest
strap buckle 34 which is located on the same respective side of the
harness 10, thereby forming a loop on each side of harness 10. The ends
of chest straps 26b can be treaded through buckles 34. Chest strap
buckles 34 are attached to the ends of reinforcement straps 36, which are
CA 02488288 2004-11-24
sewn into or otherwise attached to mantle 12 in a generally crisscross
configuration across the back of mantle 12 to maintain structural integrity
between the straps and mantle 12. Other suitable configurations for
attaching reinforcement straps 36 to mantle 12 are known to persons
skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that chest strap buckles 34 can be
attached to portions of mantle 12.
[0047] Chest straps 26b can be connected to one another and
secured across the front of a patient with floating fastener 28, which can
comprise male and female quick connect fasteners, or other suitable
fasteners. For example, one portion of floating fastener 28 can be
attached to chest strap 26b on one side of the harness and another portion
of floating fastener 28 can be attached to chest strap 26b on the other side
of the harness, and the two portions are detachably affixable to one
another.
[0048] Floating fastener 28 holds chest straps 26b in place across
the patient's chest. Because each of the chest straps does not crisscross
the patient's chest, and because the chest straps are secured to one
another across the front of the patient's chest with floating fastener 28,
this prevents the straps from sliding up against the patient's throat and
head, which can cause discomfort or injury by choking the patient. The
position of floating fastener 28 is adjustable along the lengths of chest
straps 26b. This allows harness 10 to be used with patients of varying
heights and sizes.
[0049] In another embodiment of the invention, chest straps 26b can
be criss-crossed across the patient's chest as illustrated in Figure 10. The
ends of each chest strap 26b can be connected to chest strap buckles 34
located on the opposite side of the patient's chest. In such embodiments,
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a separate fastener may be attached to chest straps 26b at their crossing
point on the patient's chest to prevent the straps from sliding up against
the patient's throat and head.
[0050] It is contemplated that chest straps 26 and floating fastener
28, or criss-crossed chest straps 26 fastened at the crossing point can be
adapted for use with other harnesses or rescue systems, which may or
may not have mantles. For example, this system could be adapted for use
in splinting a patient to a half- or full-body back support, or for use in
securing a patient in a basket stretcher, or any other system which
requires a patient to be secured into a rescue apparatus across the chest.
By securing chest straps 26 across the patient's chest, the straps do not
move, which allows patients of different sizes, including children, to be
secured to different rescue apparatuses.
[0051] Referring back to harness 10, the harness also includes waist
strap 38, which is sewn into or otherwise attached inside mantle 12.
Waist strap 38 can be wrapped around the waist and arms of a patient,
and the ends of waist strap 38 are attached to, or inserted through, waist
fasteners 40, which are used to secure waist strap 38 around the patient.
Waist strap 38 can be tightened around the patient by adjusting the
position of waist fasteners 40 along waist strap 38.
[0052] Harness 10 can also include straps 8, which are sewn into or
otherwise attached to mantle 12 and straps 36, near the top of mantle 12
where the patient's shoulders would generally be located, and which can
be used by rescue personnel to lift a patient.
[0053] The bottom portion of harness 10 comprises leg straps 42,
which are sewn into or otherwise attached to the y-shaped tail 44 of
mantle 12. Leg strap buckles 43 are attached to the ends of leg straps 42
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which can attach to leg strap connectors 48. Leg strap connectors 48 are
attached to the ends of reinforcement straps 36 discussed above. Leg
straps 42 and y-shaped tail 44 form leg loops for the patient's legs, as
shown in Figure 10, when leg strap buckle 43a is attached to leg strap
connector 48a, which is located on the same lateral side of harness 10 as
leg strap buckle 43a, and leg strap buckle 43b is attached to leg strap
connector 48b, which is located on the same lateral side of harness 10 as
leg strap buckle 43b. When leg strap buckles 43 of leg straps 42 are
connected to their respective leg strap connectors 48, y-shaped tail 44 and
leg straps 42 pass under the buttocks and between the legs of the patient.
Leg strap buckles 43 also comprise lifting rings 46 to assist in lifting a
patient. For example, lifting rings 46 can be used to lift a patient
horizontally while making a transition over an edge or when there is the
need to horizontally suspend the patient during extrication.
[0054] Leg straps 42 are sewn into or otherwise attached to the
mantle along each branch 50 of y-shaped tail 44. When the patient is
secured in the harness and the patient is lifted in an upright position, leg
straps 42 and y-shaped tail 44 supports the weight of the patient being
lifted in harness 10. The size of the leg loops formed by leg straps 42 can
be adjusted by moving the position of leg strap buckles 43a and 43b
along the length of leg straps 42 as necessary. Y-shaped tail 44 may
include padding to help prevent the harness from unduly applying
pressure against the patient's legs and buttocks when a patient is being
lifted in the harness.
[0055] Lower lifting ring 45, as shown in Figures 2, 9, and 10, is
located near Y-shaped tail 44 and is attached to center strap 32 and chest
straps 26a. Ropes or rescue lines can be attached to lower lifting ring 45
to "tag" the patient or direct the patient away from obstructions when
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=
raising or lowering the patient during a rescue. Lower lifting ring 45 can
also be used to attach a rescue line if it is necessary to pull the patient
out
of a confined space feet first or if it is necessary to lower the patient head
first.
[0056] As previously discussed, centre strap 32 is sewn into or
otherwise attached generally along the centre of the back of harness 10
and crosses all other straps. Centre strap 32 supports the weight of the
patient when the harness is lifted from lifting ring 24, attached near the
top of harness 10, or lower lifting ring 45 attached near the bottom of
harness 10. Centre strap 32 includes grommet holes 52 for accessing
bolting points 54, which are built into back support 20, as illustrated in
Figures 3 and 4. Bolts can be applied through grommet holes 52 into
bolting points 54 of back support 20 to secure harness protector 63 to
mantle 12 and back support 20. The bolts can be secured with nuts,
although other fasteners, such as self tapping threaded bolt inserts are
contemplated. Other types of fasteners are readily known to persons
skilled in the art. Preferably, fasteners for attaching harness protector 63
to harness 10 are removable to allow harness protector 63 to be easily
removed from harness 10 or to allow back support 20 to be quickly
removed from harness 10 and changed with a back support having a
different length, if necessary.
[0057] Back support 20 is constructed to be slightly smaller
than
pocket 18, so that back support 20 can slide easily into pocket 18.
Different lengths of back supports 20 can be used with the rescue device
of the invention, as illustrated by back support 20a in Figure 3, and back
support 20b in Figure 4. As discussed above, pocket 18 can comprise
multiple closures 22a and 22b located at the bottom of pocket 18, for
enclosing back supports of different lengths. A back support 20 of an
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appropriate length can be selected to adapt the harness to particular
rescue situations. For example, a shorter back support 20 can be used for
rescues in confined spaces having restricted head room. A shorter back
support 20 can also be used with a shorter patient, such as a child.
Therefore, harness 10 can be quickly and easily adapted for use in
different rescue situations.
[0058] Harness 10 also comprises head support 14. Head support
14 is slidably attached to back support 20 and slides longitudinally along
back support 20 without rotation.
[0059] Figures 3, 4, 5, 5a, 6, 11, 12, and 14 illustrate examples of
mechanisms for slidably, attaching head support 14 to back support 20.
As shown in Figures 5 and 6, back support 20 can comprise one or more
head support tracks 56. Head support tracks 56 receive head support 14.
In one specific embodiment, wherein back support 20 comprises two
head support tracks 56 as shown in Figures 3 and 5, head support 14 can
be inserted through tracks 56 and looped around the back of backboard 20
to secure a patient's head to back support 20, as shown in Figures 5 and
5a.
[0060] Figures 6, 11, 12, and 14 illustrate other embodiments of the
mechanism for slidably attaching head support 14 to back support 20. As
shown in Figure 6, back support 20 can comprise a single head support
track 56a for accommodating a floating head support 14a. Figure 12
illustrates one specific embodiment wherein floating head support 14a is
inserted into single head support track 56a. In Figures 11, 12, and 14,
straps 16 have been omitted for clarity. Straps 16 are illustrated in Figure
13. As shown in Figure 12, head support track 56a is adapted in shape to
receive projecting member 60, which is attached to backing 59 of floating
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head support 14a. Head support track 56a and projecting member 60 can
be made from low friction materials, such as plastic which allow floating
head support 14a to freely slide up and down head support track 56a.
Projecting member 60 can comprise any shape which allows floating
head support 14a to move along the longitudinal axis of head support
track 56a, and which holds floating head support 14a within head support
track 56a. Backing 59 and straps 16 may be padded to cushion the
patient's head.
[0061] Figure 14 illustrates another specific embodiment wherein
head support track 56b is raised relative to the surface of back support 20.
In this case, head support 14b comprises a notch for receiving head
support track 56b. Head support track 56b can comprise any shape which
head support 14b can receive and which allows head support 14b to slide
longitudinally along back support 20.
[0062] Other methods of slidably attaching head support 14 to back
support 20 are contemplated. For example, head support 14 and back
support 20 may each comprise tracks in which a third attachment means
may be inserted to connect head support 14 and back support 20 together.
Head support 14 may also be configured to fit within a groove in back
support 20. These and other methods of slidably attaching head support
14 to back support 20 are known to persons skilled in the art.
[0063] When a patient's head is strapped into floating head support
14, the patient's head can move freely along the length of back support 20
within the length of head support track 56, as dictated by the movement
of the patient's body, which may reduce discomfort and harm to the
patient. For example, when a patient is moved from a horizontal position
to a vertical position, gravity draws the body downwards. If a patient's
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=
head is secured to a head support which does not allow the head to move,
the weight of the patient's body will pull on the patient's neck, head and
spine. Harness 10 with floating head support 14 slidably attached to back
support 20 allows the patient's head to move with gravity when being
moved from a horizontal to a vertical position, and vice versa, while the
head remains secured and supported against rotation or twisting in the
harness. In addition, a neck collar can also be attached to the patient to
provide additional neck support.
[0064] Although in one embodiment it is disclosed that floating
head support 14 is used as part of rescue harness 10, it is contemplated
that floating head support 14 can be used with other rescue apparatuses.
In one such embodiment, floating head support 14 can be used with a
trauma board. Floating head support 14 and back support 20 may also be
used with rescue cages for air-lifting a patient. Floating head support 14
can also be used in association with cervical boards rather than full length
back supports, to affect rescues from confined spaces. Floating head
support 14 can be adapted for use with many other types of rescue
devices, particularly rescue devices involved in vertical extrication of
patients which would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
[0065] Figure 10 illustrates correct patient positioning in harness
10, with the patient lying supine with his head centered in head support
14, secured by straps 16.
[0066] Figure 9 illustrates a harness protector 62 which may be
integrated with harness 10. Harness protector 62 comprises a lifting ring
slot 64 for accommodating lifting ring 24, and leg strap connector slots
66 for accommodating leg strap connectors 48. A strap 70, or other
suitable fastener, is inserted through lower slot 68 for attaching harness
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protector 62 to lower lifting ring 45 at the base of y-shaped tail 44.
Although it is disclosed in this embodiment that harness protector 62 is
attached to harness 10 in a specific manner, many other configurations for
attaching harness protector 62 to harness 10 or any other suitable harness
in need of abrasion protection are also contemplated and would be
appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
[0067] As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, harness protector 62 has
a profile generally similar to the profile of a patient secured into harness
10, so that the patient maintains a slim profile which can aid rescue from
confined spaces. Harness protector 62 protects the back and sides of
harness 10 from abrasion. Moreover, because harness protector 62 is
attached to lower lifting ring 45 of harness 10, which is generally located
between the legs of the patient, harness protector 62 provides increased
support under the patient's buttocks when the patient is being vertically
lifted, thereby increasing the comfort of the patient. Because harness
protector 62 curves into the patient's buttocks and between the patient's
legs when it is attached to harness 10, harness protector 62 has a smooth
profile, which allows harness protector 62 to slide easily over surfaces
without catching obstructions or protrusions which may hinder a rescue.
[0068] Harness protector 62 can be made from a durable plastic, or
other suitably abrasion-resistant material to protect the harness from
abrasion during rescues. Harness protector 62 does not need to be
changed when harness 10 is used with back supports 20 of different
lengths, since harness protector 62 is flexible and conforms to the profile
of harness 10. Harness protector 62 does not need to be removed from
harness 10. Therefore, harness 10 can always be protected from abrasion
and valuable time and energy is not expended during a rescue to secure
harness protector 62 to harness 10. When harness protector 62 requires
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replacement due to overuse, it can be replaced cheaply and quickly
without the expense of replacing the entire rescue harness.
[0069] Figures 7, 8, and 17 to 20 illustrate alternative embodiments
of the harness protector of the invention. Figures 7, 17, and 18 illustrate a
full length harness protector 63a, and Figures 8, 19, and 20 illustrate a
shorter length harness protector 63b. Harness protectors 63a and 63b each
comprise slots 65 for inserting lifting ring 24, and bolting holes 55 for
attaching these harness protectors to harness 10. Harness protectors 63a
and 63b are attached to back support 20 and mantle 12 by inserting
fasteners through bolting holes 55, through grommet holes 52 of mantle
12, and fastening the fasteners to back support 20 at bolting points 54.
Figure 21 illustrates harness protector 63a attached to harness 10.
Different sized harness protectors can be used, depending on the length of
back support 20 used.
Example
[0070] The following example describes how harness 10 can be
used to affect a rescue of a patient. If a patient were injured and required
extrication from a confined space, or a space which required the patient to
be extricated vertically, such as found in barges, ships, tanks, tower
cranes, structural collapses, crevices, or vehicles, emergency response
personnel could affect the rescue of the patient by securing the patient
into harness 10. If the patient had an injury which required
immobilization of the patient's spine to prevent further injury, emergency
response personnel could use harness 10 with back support 20 inserted
into pocket 18, wherein the length of back support 20 is selected based on
the restrictions of the space.
[0071] Harness 10 can be used without back support 20, which may
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facilitate rescues from confined spaces. However, if spinal
immobilization is required, the patient's head can be secured to head
support 14 using straps 16, which can be made of a flock and loop
material, or other suitable material which can be easily attached and
detached and adjusted to accommodate patients with different head sizes.
When head support 14 is looped through tracks 56 of back support 20, it
can be held in place along back support 20 due to friction between the
material of head support 14 and straps 16 and back support 20. In an
alternative embodiment, harness 10 can comprise a floating head support
14 which is slidably attached to back support 20 and allows a patient's
head to move freely longitudinally, but does not does not allow the
patient's head to rotate or move side to side.
[0072] Once the patient's head is secured, harness 10 can be secured
around the patient's arms and torso by wrapping mantle 12 around the
patient and securing chest straps 26 across the patient's chest by
connecting floating fastener 28. Chest straps 26 can be tightened over the
patient's chest by adjusting the positions of the chest strap buckles 34
along the straps. Chest straps 26 can also crossed over the patient's chest,
and the crossing point secured with a fastener. Waist strap 38 can also be
secured around the patient's waist and arms by connecting waist fastener
40. Waist strap 38 can be tightened around the patient's waist by moving
waist fastener 40 along the length of waist strap 38 as needed. The
patient's legs can be secured into harness 10 by connecting leg strap
buckle 43a with leg strap leg strap connector 48a, and leg strap leg strap
buckle 43b with leg strap leg strap connector 48b. Leg loops formed by
leg straps 42 can be tightened by pulling ends of leg straps 42 through leg
strap buckles 43a and 43b. Harness protector 62 or 63 may be pre-
attached to harness 10 so that additional time and effort does not need to
CA 02488288 2004-11-24
be used to secure the harness protector to harness 10.
[0073] Another method of securing the patient in the harness
involves leaving one of the patient's arms out of harness to further reduce
the patient's profile. If it is necessary to reduce the patient's profile, one
arm could be placed over the patient's head to reduce the width of the
patient. The harness can also be secured to the patient by applying it
directly to the torso of patient and not encompassing the arms as injuries
to the patient dictate.
[0074] if a vertical extrication of the patient is required, a life
line
can be connected to lifting ring 24 to lift the patient.
[0075] Although these examples discloses a sequence of events for
securing harness 10 to a patient, other methods of securing harness 10
using a different sequence of events are also contemplated and would be
appreciated by persons skilled in the art. For example, another sequence
of events that a person skilled in the art could consider to be appropriate,
depending on the nature of the patient's injuries and the environment that
the patient is located in, would be to secure the waist strap of the harness
to the patient first, then the leg straps, then the chest straps, and lastly
the
head support. The patient's injuries may dictate the sequence of harness
attachments, and rescue personnel and others of skill in the art would
appreciate that different sequences can be used in different situations to
effect a safe and minimally uncomfortable rescue of a patient.
[0076] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light
of
the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible
in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope
thereof.
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