ABTECH SAFETY SLIXRR Instructions for use

Instruction & Maintenance Manual for
S IXRR Rapid Response Stretcher
2017 V1.1
IMPORTANT
Slix Stretchers should be used by
TRAINED PERSONS ON Y
P EASE READ THIS MANUA BEFORE
USING THE S IXRR
This is not a manual of First Aid or Rescue techniques.
Rescuers using S IX equipment should be trained in patient packaging and first aid techniques
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 move the Slix Stretcher is of suitable
strength and in good order.
Before using the Slix Stretcher check for wear or damage. Do not use if worn or damaged.
The rescue team must be able to deal safely with any emergency that may arise during the evacuation of a
casualty.

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The SlixRR is a roll up stretcher designed for rapid application and deployment. The SlixRR is not
a technical haul stretcher. It is designed to be carried or dragged using a header rope. The SlixRR
may be lowered vertically with a suitable strength rope and under the control of a competent belay
system.
If neck injuries are present or suspected a suitable cervical collar should be fitted by a competent
first aider. If back injuries are suspected a suitable spinal board should be used. The 2 red straps at
the head of the stretcher may be used to locate a spinal splint or backboard.
Packaging the Ca ualty
Remove the Velcro strap and allow the stretcher to unroll. To make the stretcher lie flat counter
bend the head and foot sections. Undo the restraining straps and lay them out so they are accessible
after the casualty has been loaded.
The casualty is positioned centrally on the SlixRR stretcher with the head close to the top of the
stretcher.
Fa tening the Che t, Wai t and Foot retaining trap .
Ensure that all straps have enough slack before fitting. Push the male part of the buckle (on the
adjustable side) into the fixed female part. Make sure that both parts are fully engaged.
When tightening the restraining straps grasp the adjustable strap in one hand and push it towards
the buckle while pulling in the free end with the other hand. This will ensure that the casualty and
stretcher does not roll—as happens when only free end is pulled tight.
For very small casualties padding such as clothing or spare life jackets may be used to pad out the
volume allowing the retaining straps to be tightened up correctly.
The Chest retaining strap should be applied first. The SlixRR is a ‘arms out, stretcher but the Chest
strap may be used to retain the arms if necessary.
It is important that the Chest Strap is not over tightened as respiration could be compromised.
Fit the Waist retaining strap in a similar manner and apply the Foot oop. The Foot oop should
be twisted to form a fig. 8 loop and passed over the top of the legs and under the casualties instep
(s). If leg or pelvic injuries are present or suspected the first aider will advise if the Foot oop
should be applied. It is valid to secure a single leg if the other is injured.
It is important that the eg oop passes over the top of the leg or legs. In the event of the stretcher
being inclined a eg oop applied under the leg(s) will cause the knee to bend under load.
Fit the Leg re training trap after the Leg Loop i ecured.
When all restraining straps have been applied they should all be checked for security and the ‘free’
end of the straps tucked in securely to prevent the stretcher party from accidental tripping.
To release tension on the restraining straps the buckle should be turned upwards. This will release
the tension on the strap and the buckle may then be undone by squeezing both sides of the buckle.
The casualty is now ready for transport.
Application and Casualty oading (Packaging)

3
Identifying components of the
S IXRR Rapid Response Stretcher
All the Slix range of Stretchers conform to
CE 93/42/EEC C ASS 1
All components supplied are manufactured to the relevant standards.
It is the users duty to ensure that any other item of equipment conforms to the relevant standard.

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Transporting the casualty
At all times the carry party must ensure that the carry is done in a safe manner—both for the security
of the party and the casualty.
When transporting the casualty four persons are the usual minimum. For slight casualties or children
two may suffice but extra care should be taken.
Do not use the restraining straps to lift the casualty. This will induce a undue load on the casualty
and may cause the straps to loosen.
It is important that the carry party act in unison and it is normal to nominate a leader to issue instructions
to ensure the party acts together.
Avoid lifting by the Foot and Chest carry handles only as this will cause a bend in the stretcher.
However when crossing difficult ground it may be necessary to pass the stretcher forward hand to
hand. It is good practice to nominate a ‘casualty friend’ who’s duty is to monitor the casualty. This
is especially important on difficult ground when the carry team is concentrating on a smooth safe
carry.
On difficult ground the team should plan the evacuation route ahead. It may be necessary to place
personnel in strategic positions to receive the stretcher safely. If extra personnel are not available
then steps should be taken to ensure that the casualty is always safe. Using suitable belaying techniques
on a header rope attached to the top haul point is a useful technique which should be practiced.
On steep ground consider using a header rope of suitable length and strength. The Blue Haul attachment
point at the head of the stretcher is the only load bearing point on the stretcher and a rope
may be tied in direct ( a threaded fig. 8 knot is recommended) or via a Screwgate karabiner or mallion
rapide of suitable strength. The lower eyelet is for attaching a guide line only and should not
be subject to a load greater than 100kgs.
When transporting over easy ground the casualty should be head forward as this allows the team to
see the casualty and any distress will be noted quicker. When descending a slope the casualty
should be feet first. Conversely when ascending a slope the casualty should be transported head
first.
The SlixRR stretcher may be dragged over ground using a header rope but it is important that the
rope is long enough to prevent a creating a steep angle at the stretcher head.
If a vertical or horizontal haul or lower is required the casualty—secured in the SlixRR—may be
placed directly into a technical rescue stretcher without de-canting the casualty. Vertical hauling or
lowering must be carried out by a team trained in the relevant techniques.
oading and Securing a casualty into the
S IXRR Stretcher

5
Inspection and Cleaning of
The S IXRR Stretcher
After each use or practice session the Slix 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 C OSURE STRAPS OR STROPS HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH ANY CHEMICA , SO VENT,
A KA INE, ACID OR ANY CONTAMINANT WHICH MAY DEGRADE PO YETHY ENE, PO YESTER OR
NY ON THE STRETCHER AND/OR HAU ING STROPS MUST NOT BE USED UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES.
IF THE STRETCHER HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO A HEAVY DROP ONTO THE EYE ETS DURING A
PRACTICE OR A INCIDENT THE STRETCHER MUST BE INSPECTED, BY A COMPETENT PERSON
IMMEDIATE Y AND BEFORE FURTHER USE.
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 APP Y HEAT.
Inspect all Closure Straps, Closure Buckles, Foot Closure Straps, Carry Handles, Adjustable Foot oops
and Buckles for physical or chemical damage. Damaged Straps may be replaced. Contact the
manufacture for replacements. DO NOT USE THE STRETCHER before changing damaged Straps.
If any distortion or splitting is found DO NOT USE. RETURN TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR FU
INSPECTION.
IF IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE S lXRR STRETCHER P EASE CONTACT THE
MANUFACTURER.
Storage of the S IXRR
The Stretcher must be stored in the Carry Bag in a dry place out of direct sunlight.
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 inspection, cleaning and packing of the Stretcher should be undertaken by a competent person and
logged.
Abtech recommends that a detailed inspection, should take place at 6 monthly intervals and the inspection
logged by a competent person.

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Certification
Abtech Safety td
Units 1&2 Parkway Busniess Centre
Sixth Avenue, Zone 2
Deeside Industrial Estate
Flintshire
CH5 2 E
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.abtechsafety.com
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY