Patient Packaging and Litter Transport CMRU - November 15, 2006 Todd Shechter/Chris Davis

Points to cover Review of CMRU equipment Patient Packaging Litter transport HEATPAC: Personal Heater

Review of CMRU Equipment Folding litter Sleeping bag Bivy sack blankets Pad (subject’s clothes/pack/sack/pad) (our clothes/pack/sack/pad)

Patient Packaging Litter is main tool - developed in 1895 by Charles Stokes Remain secure in the litter, any of five positions: horizontal on their side feet down head down face down Normal position: horizontal or feet down Start with splinting/wound management Padding beneath patient, litter pads are not enough

Patient Packaging - 2 Tarp, blanket, or bivy in litter -- our litter is not their last transport mechanism Ask if need to pee/poop before loading Padding, padding, padding: Under knees, between legs, along sides, around head Not under neck Never leave subject unattended, always have plan if need to tip subject Strap subject in tight, don’t depend on seat belts

Patient Packaging - 3 On-going care: pedal pulse/vitals Ask subject if they feel numbness/tingling/hot spots (indicates straps too tight or loose)

Litter transport Rescuer on head is in charge. Before lift, ask “is anyone not ready?” Feet first, rescuer on head can see forward People to clear trail/rotate out Straps to adjust height Snow travel: webbing/ropes to help pull

HEATPAC: Personal Heater Used for warming hypothermic subjects Works by warming air and circulating through tubes Charcoal fuel element, D-cell battery, match to start Start with vent open, close after 10 min 20 minutes to reach operating temp Lasts 8-12 hours Exhaust to open air if possible Do not use in confined spaces (in vehicle)