ABTECH SAFETY SLIX 100 Instructions for use

1
Page 2
Page 3-4
Slix100XL Bariatric
Important Information
Page 5
Spinal Splint
Page 8
Spinal Splint
Inspection & Cleaning
Page 9
Page 10
Slix100
Identifying Components
on the Slix100 & Spinal
Page 13
Important Notes about
Roll Up Stretchers
Page 14
Fitting Vertical Haul &
Life Lines
Page 16
Fitting Horizontal
Hauling Strops
Page 18
Notes on Karabiners &
Haul Strops
Page 19
Inspection & Cleaning
Page 20
Storage
Instruction & Maintenance Manual for
SLIX 100 Stretcher
SLIX Spinal Splint
& Note on SLIX100XL

2
SIix100XL for Bariatric Patients
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
THE RED AND BLUE HAUL POINTS
ARE THE ONLY LOAD RATED
ATTACHMENT POINTS
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER
POINT ON THE STRETCHER
FOR LOAD BEARING
Ensure that the tail ends of the
Closure Straps are tucked safely
inside the stretcher before
transport to avoid trip hazard.
If the horizontal hauling points
are used ensure that the load
does not cause a compression
load to be placed on the patient.
If using the lower hauling points,
marked (A), be aware that the
patients legs may be folded
at the hip.
When maneuvering a loaded
stretcher take all precautions to
ensure that security ropes are
correctly belayed to a suitable
anchor point
A. Lower Belay Points
Optional Side Extenders

3
IMPORTANT
Slix Stretchers should be used by
TRAINED PERSONS ONLY
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE
USING THE SLIX100
It Is the duty of the rescue team to ensure that the casualty is secure at all
times and that all ropes, karabiners, slings or any other equipment attached
to, or used to lift, the Slix Stretcher is of suitable strength and in good order.
All belays must be correctly installed and used by a competent person or
persons.
Before using the Slix Stretcher check for wear or damage. Do not use if worn
or damaged.
We recommend that no powered device is used to raise or lower a casualty
in Slix Stretcher.
When lifting or lowering a Slix Stretcher in the vertical or horizontal mode it is
recommended that a separate lifeline of suitable strength and standard-
belayed separately- be used.
We recommend that a spinal splint or spine board is always used, whether or
not spinal injuries are present.
The rescue team must be able to deal safely with any emergency that may
arise during the evacuation of a casualty.
All the Slix range of Stretchers conform to
CE 93/42/EEC CLASS 1
Currently there are no ‘EU’ Standards for stretchers.
The karabiners, Mallion Rapides, sewn slings and lifting strops
supplied are manufactured to the relevant standards
It is the users duty to ensure that any other item of rigging
equipment, for example ropes, harnesses, karabiners,
belaying equipment is equal to - or better than - the relevant
standards when used with SLIX Stretchers.
The life of the casualty is in the hands of the rescuers and
safety precautions must be taken at all times.
This is not a manual of First Aid or Rescue techniques.
Rescuers using REACT equipment should be trained in
vertical and confined rescue and first aid techniques

4
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ
HAUL AND SECURITY ROPES MUST ONLY BE CONNECTED
TO THE STRETCHER USING THE RED OR BLUE
ATTACHMENT EYELETS.
NO OTHER PART OF THE STRETCHER OR CLOSURE
STRAPS SHOULD BE USED FOR LOAD SUPPORTING.
RED AND BLUE ATTACHMENT POINTS ARE RATED AT
400k SWL
The individual manufacturer’s instructions on use, care,
maintenance and inspection of slings, ropes, mallion rapide's
(screwed quick links) and karabiners must be followed.
Please pay particular attention to the rope and sewn slings,
especially when the stretcher has been dragged in harsh or
abrasive conditions. If in any doubt, replace.
Use only karabiners of suitable strength and a large enough
gate opening, (similar to those provided), to connect ropes
and slings to the stretcher belay points, (red and blue eyeleted
holes only), as using smaller gate opening karabiners WILL
damage the edge of the stretcher.
Always use Hauling Ropes, Lifelines, Karabiners of a
suitable standard for rescue evacuation and only use
equipment that is in excellent condition.
An equipment or rigging failure could lead to death.

5
PART ONE
The Slix Spinal Splint
Spinal Splints should only be applied by a competent first aider or doctor.
For total immobilisation a cervical collar must be used.
The Spinal Splint may be used in combination with the Slix Stretcher or on its
own for horizontal extractions.
The Spinal Splint must NOT be hauled vertically without the Slix Stretcher
The Spinal Splint should be used as a backboard inside the Slix Stretcher, to
improve casualty comfort, during evacuation - even when no spinal injuries are
present or suspected.
The Spinal Splint may be applied to a casualty before being carried to and
loaded into the Slix Stretcher.
When correctly applied, the Slix Spinal Splint will afford complete spinal
immobilisation.
The casualty fully immobilised in theSpinal
Splint, ready to be 'packaged’into the
SIix100 stretcher.

6
Identifying components of the Spinal Splint
1) Head Securing Velcro ™ straps x 2
2) Body Straps x 3
3) Colour Coded Crutch Straps x 2
4) Adjustable Lumbar Pad
The Slix Spinal Splint has body
conforming sides which allow greater
casualty security and comfort.
Inset shows Attachment points to fit the
Spinal Splint into the Slix 100, Slix50 &
SIix75
Head Pocket Closed
The Spinal Splint has a
collapsible head box for
storage & carrying.
Shown here fitted into the
SIix100 Stretcher

7
Applying the Slix Spinal Splint
A spinal splint should be applied, by a competent person, whenever spinal injuries
are present or suspected. Check at all stages that the casualty is comfortable.
The Slix Spinal Splint may be applied to the casualty away from the stretcher
and the casualty carried to the stretcher, or the Spinal Splint is attached to the
stretcher and the casualty then placed on the Spinal Splint.
The same application procedure should be followed if the casualty is to be strapped
into the Spinal Splint when it is away from - or fitted to - the Stretcher.
1)
Lay the Slix Spinal Splint on a flat surface or attach it to the Slix Stretcher
with the straps laid out. If placing the Spinal Splint in the Slix Stretcher fasten in
place with the short straps fitted to the Slix Stretcher before loading the casualty.
2)
Close the head box as shown on page 6.
Following normal first aid procedures place the casualty on the Spinal Splint with
the head level with the top of the Spinal Splint and the upper body central to the
Spinal Splint, making sure that the Lumbar Pad, Item 4 p6, is located in the arch of
the back.
3)
Starting at the head;
Fit a cervical collar and fasten two Velcro head restraints.
Fasten firmly but do not over tighten.
Note that the lower head restraint passes around the cervical collar. Do not cover
the access hole in the cervical collar.
Fit Packing Pads carefully, if required.
4)
Move to the crutch and fit two Crutch straps, Item 3 p6. Note colour coding and
fasten firmly but not over tight.
5)
Fasten Body Straps, Item 2 p6. Note. The first aider should take into account any
upper body injuries and if necessary miss out Chest/Crutch Straps if using will affect
any injuries present.
The casualty is now immobilised.
6)
If the Spinal Splint was fitted to the casualty away from the Slix Stretcher the
'package' should then be placed carefully into the Slix Stretcher. Fasten the
Spinal Splint in place with the short straps attached to the Stretcher. Inset in main
picture p6 shows the eyelets for the straps.

8
Maintenance and Cleaning of
the Slix Spinal Splint
After each use or practice session the Slix Spinal Splint should be cleaned
and inspected for damage by a competent person.
It is very important the Spinal Splint and ancillary equipment is stored ready for
use in a first class condition.
IF ANY CLOSURE OR ATTACHMENT LOOPS HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ANY
CHEMICAL, SOLVENT, ALKALINE, ACID OR ANY CONTAMINANT WHICH MAY
DEGRADE POLYETHYLENE, POLYESTER OR NYLON THE SPINAL SPLINT MUST
NOT BE USED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Refer to Page 10 for parts identification of the Slix Spinal Splint.
Oil, grease, blood, body fluids or non aggressive contaminants may be removed with
warm- not hot- water and soap.
If a power washer is available it may be used with care. After cleaning rinse thoroughly
with clean water, hang vertically and allow to dry in a warm, dry atmosphere. DO NOT
APPLY HEAT.
Inspect all Closure straps, buckles and webbing for damage or wear, pay particular
attention to the stitching where the Closure straps and buckles and Crutch Straps are
attached to the Spinal Splint.
Inspect the Spinal Splint to Stretcher attachment points for wear.
Inspect the Velcro Head Straps for damage or wear.
Inspect the back of the Spinal Splint for wear.
Check that the Packing Pads are attached.
Minor damage to Closure and Crutch Straps, if less than 1/5 of the width, is acceptable.
Minor damage to the Stretcher attachment points, if less than 1/5 of the width is
acceptable.
If the polyethylene skin of the Spinal Splint has been pierced or worn through then the
Spinal Splint should be returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE SLIX SPINAL SPLINT
PLEASE CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.

9
PART TWO
The SIix100 Stretcher
The Slix Stretcher may be used to raise or lower a casualty vertically or horizontally.
When correctly applied the Slix is a safe, protective stretcher that may be used in the
most adverse conditions.
The adjustable Closure and Foot loops will accommodate casualty insulation and applied
first aid equipment such as leg splints and the Spinal Splint
The configuration of the shaft will dictate if the Slix Stretcher can be raised or lowered
with the casualty horizontal or vertical but if circumstances allow, for medical considerations, the
casualty should always be raised or lowered horizontally.
The Horizontal Haul Slings are colour coded to allow the rescuers to choose to raise or
lower the casualty in a Head Up or Head Down attitude, as dictated by any injuries.
By attaching the Red sling leg to the Red Horizontal haul points and the Blue sling legs to
the Blue Horizontal haul points a Head Up attitude is achieved. By reversing the slings-
Red to Blue and Blue to Red -a Head Down attitude is achieved.
All closure straps must be correctly fastened and any surplus length securely tucked away
to prevent snagging.
All equipment used for raising or lowering the Slix Stretcher must be of suitable
strength and in first class condition.
Only the Vertical and Horizontal slings and the connectors provided should be used
to attach Haul lines to the stretcher.
Haul ropes and Lifelines must be to a minimum of EN1891A standard.
When raising or lowering the Slix Stretcher there must be separate lifeline
protection for security in the event of a main rope failure.
The recommended rope for hauling and lifelines is 11mm diameter Mammut
Performance Static Rope.
Using dynamic ropes can give rise to 'bouncing' which is uncomfortable for the
casualty.
Karabiners must be of screw gate type to a minimum of 26Kn. BS EN362, and
correctly attached with the gates tightened.
Screw links (mallion rapide's, Quick Links) must be to a minimum of 26Kn. BS
EN362 and correctly attached with the screw link tightened
Belays for the Haul and Lifelines must be sound and capable of withstanding 26Kn.
At all times during a raise or lower the haul rope and lifelines must be kept taught.
Failure to do so could result in an unacceptable shock load onto the casualty,
ropes, slings, belays or connectors and may lead to injury or equipment failure.

10
Identifying components of the
SIix100 Stretcher & Spinal Splint
Horizontal Hauling Points
Vertical Hauling Points

11
Loading and Securing a casualty into the
Slix100 Stretcher
The Slix Stretcher is stored and transported in a Carry Bag.
Remove the Slix Stretcher from the Carry Bag, undo the securing strap and unroll. It is
recommended that the Slix Spinal Splint is used even if no spinal injuries are present or
suspected.
Refer to Page 10 for identification.
1)
Lay on a flat surface, with the Carry Handles down, as close to the casualty as
possible. The head of the Stretcher should be level with the head of the casualty.
Place the Slix Spinal Splint on the Slix Stretcher and attach it to the Spinal
Splint Plate with the two fitted straps provided Item 100SSA p10. Place the casualty
on the Stretcher with the head located to the top of the Spinal Splint and centrally
positioned. OR
If the casualty was loaded onto the Spinal Splint away from the Stretcher, move the
casualty carefully into the Stretcher and attach the Spinal Splint to the Stretcher
2)
Fit the Foot Loops, Item 100FL p10, to the casualties feet, (do not remove
footwear), crossing them over, and adjust buckles. If leg injuries are present it may
be necessary to omit one or both Foot Loops
3)
Starting at the foot secure the 4 Closure Straps, Item 100MCS p10, across the
Stretcher and tighten securely but be careful not to over tighten. Pay particular
attention to the Closure Straps at the chest so respiration is not impaired.
Secure the ends of the Closure Straps so they do not present a snag hazard.
Tucking ends in is easiest
It is recommended that the casualties’ arms are inside the Stretcher skin, as shown
on p12
5)
Repeat for the Foot Closure Straps, Item 100FCS p10, and adjust until the rollover
just touches the casualties’ feet. Allowance should be made if a leg splint is fitted.
The casualty is now secure and evacuation may begin.

12
Fig D.
Secure the Closure Straps –
4 places
Fig A.
Rolled up using the Foot Closure
Straps to secure
Fig B.
Laid flat ready to fit the
Spinal Splint
Fig C.
Fitting the Foot Loops
Fig E.
Thread & Adjust Bottom Roll over
straps
Fig F.
Casualty ‘fully packaged’

13
Horizontal to Vertical Transition.
Shown is a example of rigging to
assist in the horizontal - vertical
transition.
The RED rope is attached via a
Double Fig 8 or Double Bowline
'V' hang to the RED Stretcher
Haul point at the shoulder level,
using suitable karabiners.
The BLUE Rope is attached in a
similar manner to the BLUE head
haul points.
The main load is taken on the
RED to lift the stretcher from the
horizontal into the vertical mode.
The BLUE ROPE is taken in at
the same time BUT NO LOAD is
applied until the stretcher is fully
in the Vertical mode.
Important Considerations when using
Roll Up Stretchers
The Slix range of stretchers are 'Roll Up'
stretchers designed to be used in the most
extreme conditions.
All Roll Up stretchers they are to a degree
flexible which gives the ability to evacuate
casualties from situations where rigid
stretchers would not be suitable or may not
even reach.
Users must be aware that Roll Up stretchers
do have limitations and training must take into
account the physical properties of Roll Up
stretchers.
JA&RE recommend that a spinal splint or a
spinal backboard is always used - even when
spinal injuries are not present or suspected - to
increase casualty comfort and to prevent
respiratory compromise when in transition from
the horizontal to the vertical mode and when
dragging the casualty over a surface.
Roll up stretchers should not be carried by
lifting 'head & tail' unless good spinal support is
provided with a spine board or spinal splint.
Care must be taken when moving from the
horizontal to vertical mode. Support around the
shoulder area should be provided as the
transition takes place. At least one person
supporting each side is a very good
precaution.
It is possible to provide support by utilising the
shoulder level attachment points. By
connecting to a haul line via a 'V' hang. This
will allow the haulers to lift the stretcher from
horizontal to vertical without undue bending of
the stretcher, compromising the casualty. Once
the stretcher is in the vertical mode, and clear
of the floor, the main head haul may be
utilised.
Care must be taken when landing a Roll Up
stretcher at the head of a vertical section,
particularly when there is low head room.
Adequate support must be given until the
casualty is horizontal, and safe!

14
Suggested Fitting Of Vertical Haul and
Lifelines to the Slix Stretcher
Fig. 1.
Vertical Haul Lifeline
Attach the haul line 'A' to 2 screw gate
karabiners with a double fig.'8' knot, (keep bights
short), and attach to the Vertical haul points 'S'
Tighten the screw gates on the karabiners.
Attach the Lifeline 'C' to a screw gate karabiner
with a fig. '8' knot, and attach the karabiner to the
Horizontal Haul point '0'. Tighten the screw gate
on the karabiner.
A karabiner 'E' is clipped over the Lifeline 'C' and
then into the bight of the haul line.
This will prevent the stretcher hanging sideways
in the event of a Haul line or main belay failure.
It is important that the bights on
the double Fig. 8 knots are even.
Do not tie a single loop Fig 8 and
then attach to the karabiners as
this will cause the head of the
stretcher to curl excessively.
SEE PAGE 13 FOR IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATIONS
Fig 2
Alternative Vertical Lifeline
Attachment
When using this method all of the
haul points must
be used to ensure that the load is
shared.

15
Do not use sling or threaded rope as shown as this will
cause the head of the stretcher to buckle or fold.
Fitting Vertical Haul Lines to Slix Stretchers
Screwgate Karabiner and Double Fig 8
Sewn Slings and Karabiners
OR Delta Mallion Rapide

16
Recommended Fitting of Horizontal Haul
and Lifelines to the Slix 100 Stretcher
Fig. 1.
Horizontal Haul Lifeline.
Attach the Security rope A to the Vertical Haul
Points 8 using a Double Fig 8 and two screw gate
karabiners.
Fit the Horizontal Haul Strops to a screw gate
karabiner D and then each leg of the Strop to the
Horizontal Haul Points C.
NOTE! Red to Red/Blue to Blue gives a Head Up
attitude. Red to Blue/Red to Blue gives a Head
Down attitude.
Attach the Haul Rope E to the karabiner D with a
Fig 8 knot.
Link the Security rope A to the Haul rope E with a
karabiner F. To avoid 3 way load attach the karabiner to
the loop of the Haul rope Fig 8 knot
NEVER into the Haul karabiner D.
Connecting like this will keep the Stretcher in a
more horizontal attitude in the event of a Haul
rope or Security rope failure.
See p 14 for Important
Strop rigging information
Note that Horizontal and Vertical
Haul Strops Are Now Supplied As
Sewn Slings to EN795 19978.
Instructions for attachment and
use are the same as rope slings.
It is essential that the karabiner
used to attach the hauling slingsl
strops are Screw Gate karabiners
to a minimum of 25kN and a gate
opening of at least 24mm.
Damage to the edge of the
stretcher WILL occur if smaller
gate opening karabiners are used.
Fig. 2 colour coded 25kN Sewn
Tapes
Fig. 1

17
Recommended Fitting of Horizontal
Haul Strops to the Slix 100 Stretcher
By connecting the legs of the
Strop to the same side the load is
transferred along the Stretcher, like
a shopping bag
If the legs of a Strop are connected
across the stretcher then the load
will compress the casualty
Make sure that all karabiners are correctly fitted and the
gates screwed closed before commencing a haul.
Always use independent belay points for the Haul
and Security ropes.
Keep the same tension on both ropes to lessen the
chance of a shock load in the event of a rope or belay
failure.

18
KARABINERS AND HAULING STROPS
Notes on Karabiners.
Use only karabiners with a gate
opening of greater than 20mm.
Using smaller karabiners will result
in damage to the edge of the
stretcher skin.
Showing the easy way to fit and
remove karabiners.
Forcing the karabiner into the
eyelet will result in damage to the
edge of the stretcher skin.
Notes on Hauling Strops
Sewn Strops are now supplied as standard.
Please refer to the manufacturers literature supplied
with each set.
Colour coded to give:
Head up-RED to RED, BLUE to BLUE

19
Inspection and Cleaning of
The Slix 100 Stretcher
After each use or practice session the Slix 100 stretcher should be cleaned
and inspected for damage by a competent person.
It is very important the stretcher and ancillary equipment is stored ready for use in
a first class condition.
IF ANY CLOSURE OR LIFTING STRAPS HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ANY CHEMICAL,
SOLVENT, ALKALINE, ACID OR ANY CONTAMINANT WHICH MAY DEGRADE
POLYETHYLENE, POLYESTER OR NYLON THE STRETCHER AND/OR LIFTING STRAPS
MUST NOT BE USED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
IF THE STRETCHER HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO A HEAVY DROP ONTO THE VERTICAL OR
HORIZONTAL HAULING POINTS DURING A PRACTICE OR A INCIDENT THE STRETCHER
MUST BE INSPECTED, BY A COMPETENT PERSON IMMEDIATELY AND BEFORE
FURTHER USE.
Refer to Page 6 part identification.
Oil, grease, blood, body fluids or non aggressive contaminants may be removed with warm- not
hot- water and soap.
If a power washer is available it may be used with care. After cleaning rinse thoroughly with
clean water, hang vertically and allow to dry in a warm, dry atmosphere.
DO NOT APPLY HEAT.
Inspect Horizontal and Vertical Lifting Slings for physical or chemical damage. The integrity of
the Lifting Straps is essential and particular attention should be given to the stitching and the
loop section of the Slings for wear, If any damage is present DO NOT USE. Replace damaged
Lifting Slings immediately.
Inspect all Closure Straps, Closure Buckles, Head & Foot Closure Straps, Carry Handles,
Adjustable Foot Loops and Buckles and Head & Side Grab Handles for physical or chemical
damage. Damaged Straps may be replaced. Contact the manufacture for replacements. DO
NOT USE THE STRETCHER before changing damaged Straps.
Pay particular attention to the Buckles securing the Head & Side Grab Handles. Make sure that
the Buckles are secured correctly with the end of the tape passed back through the Buckle.
Inspect the Vertical Hauling Plate/Spinal Splint attachment point, for damage and/or distortion.
Inspect the area of stretcher around the Vertical Hauling Plate and the Horizontal Hauling
Points. If any distortion or splitting is found DO NOT USE. RETURN TO THE MANUFACTURER
FOR FULL INSPECTION.
IF IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE SLlX100 STRETCHER PLEASE
CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.

20
Storage of the Slix 100 Stretcher
and Spinal Splint
Correct storage is vital to ensure that the Stretcher and Spinal Splint are in first class
condition at all times.
Refer to Pages 8 and 19 for the correct cleaning and inspection of the units before
storing.
The Stretcher and Spinal Splint must be stored in the Carry Bag in a dry place that is
marked and accessible at all times.
It is good practice to seal the bag after the kit has been inspected and packed. A tear-
off, non replaceable, type of closure should be threaded through the top of the Carry
Bag.
Sealing the Carry Bag discourages tampering or pilfering and the rescuers are assured
that the contents are present in the event of a incident.
To allow storage in a manner that does not ensure that the contents are correctly
cleaned, inspected and complete is negligent.
The Stretcher and Spinal Splint are manufactured from nylon, polyethylene, stainless
steel and polyester and will not deteriorate if cleaned and stored correctly.
The inspection, cleaning and packing of the Stretcher and Spinal Splint should be
undertaken by a competent person and logged.
Abtech recommends that regular inspection, if stored in a dry place, should take place
at no more than 6 monthly intervals and the inspection logged by a competent person.
For further information or advice contact:
Abtech Safety Ltd
Portside Business Park
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65 2HQ
T: 0151 355 5971
F: 0151 357 1106
E: [e-mail]
W: www.abtechsafety.com