RSS Operating Instructions
- 1. Remove Day Sack
- 2. Remove First Aid Pouch
- 3. Roll Out Stretcher
- 4. Lay Out Restraining Straps
- 5. Extend Head and Feet Extensions
- 6. Extend Sholder Straps
- 7. Move Casualty onto Stretcher
- 8. Secure Arms
- 9. Secure Chest and Waist
- 10. Secure Head
- 11. Check Straps
- 12. Lift Casualty
- 13. Other Notes
1. Remove Day Sack
With the rucksack standing upright, unzip the side pouches and zip together to form a separate day sack.
2. Remove First Aid Pouch
Unzip the first aid external pouch, and strap around the waist. Either use as a bum bag, or give it to a member of the team to utilize in the 'roll down' (link to fig 7.jpg) method to administer first aid to the casualty, while others prepare the stretcher.
3. Roll Out Stretcher
Unclip the top-flap of the rucksack, unzip sides and lay rucksack out flat. Undo large flap inside the RSS™ and extend rucksack to its full length.
4. Lay Out Restraining Straps
Pull out side stretcher handles and extend all side straps. Pull out chinstrap and head retainers from inside top flap of rucksack.
5. Extend Head and Feet Extensions
Extend head and feet extensions on stretcher and feed into separate pockets. To collapse the back board press the two recess buttons on head & feet
6. Extend Sholder Straps
Turn the RSS™ stretcher over so the shoulder straps are upper most. Ensure all straps, including shoulder straps, are loosened and laid out. Turn the top flap inside out as this assists as an immobiliser for the casualty's head.
7. Move Casualty onto Stretcher
Either slide stretcher under casualty or lift and place casualty on stretcher (depending on severity of injury).
8. Secure Arms
Place casualty's arms through shoulder straps and tighten.
9. Secure Chest and Waist
Secure chest and waist straps. (If casualty is conscious and injuries allow, the casualty's arms can be left outside of straps if necessary). Secure leg straps (pad between legs especially ankles and knees if possible). Secure foot strap around both feet and tighten.
10. Secure Head
Secure chinstrap and head restraint around casualty's forehead.
11. Check Straps
Finally check all straps for security and ensure casualty is as comfortable as possible, paying special attention to the areas around the injury. Use padding where necessary.
12. Lift Casualty
When lifting the casualty all personnel should lift together keeping the casualty level at all times, thus reducing potential injuries to those lifting. Casualty should be lifted by the use of the stretcher handles ONLY. (fig 12) If using improvised stretcher poles such as branches etc., ensure the poles are strong enough and are passed through all lifting handles prior to lifting.
13. Other Notes
Personnel carrying the stretcher should keep an eye on casualty at all times, administering first aid and reassurance to the casualty throughout the extraction where necessary. If carrying long distances, regular breaks and rotation of carriers should be encouraged to reduce strain on carrier's arms.
REMEMBER: The RSS™ enables you to extract the casualty from immediate danger before reaching emergency services and definitive care.
- Ensure the RSS™ is assembled correctly so that the casualty cannot fall out
- Do it safely, and do not rush
- Select the safest extraction route available
- Check on casualty and all members in the team frequently
- Rotate carriers and take frequent rest breaks if necessary.
For more information contact:
Centurion Risk Assessment Services Ltd
PO Box 1740, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 3WT, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1726 862090, Fax: +44 (0)1726 862097, Mobile: +44 (0)7785 248934
email: main@centurionsafety.net, web: www.centurionsafety.net
