The Sked stretcher can be used in many applications including both civilian and military, including urban, wilderness, confined space, water, ice and high-angle rescues. It is utilized by police, fire and EMS personnel around the world to efficiently package a patient. (Packaging is the act of securing the patient and readying him for transport). Although its uses are numerous, it was not designed as a spinal immobilization device and should always be used in conjunction with a back board or spine splint if a spinal injury is suspected.
Introduction to the Sked
Practice using the Sked stretcher before deploying it on an actual mission, as it is very different from traditional stretchers. To begin, remove the Sked from its pack. Then unfasten the straps to be able to unroll it. Standing on the foot end, unroll the Sked completely, then roll it back over itself in the opposite direction to get it to lay flat.
Placing a Patient on the Sked
There are two common methods of placing a patient on the Sked if no spinal injury is suspected: the Log-Roll method and the Slide Method.
For the Log-Roll method, begin with the Sked rolled out. Place it next to the patient, ensuring the head end is in line with the patient's head. The Sked straps should be placed underneath the Sked to keep them out of the way. Log-roll the patient and slide the Sked as far underneath as possible. Once the Sked is in place, return the patient to a supine position. Gently slide the patient to the center of the Sked, making sure to maintain spinal alignment. The final step is to secure the straps across the body of the patient. They should be snug.
For the Slide method, you also begin with the Sked rolled out. Position the Sked above the patient, with the foot end at the top of the patient's head. One rescuer should straddle the Sked and gently support the patient's head and neck. The other rescuers should grasp the foot straps of the Sked and pull, sliding the Sked down under the patient. The final step is to secure the straps snugly across the body of the patient.
Moving the Patient Secured to the Sked
How you choose to move your patient will depend greatly on the situation. Most commonly, use the hand grips to simply carry the patient. If you must cover a long distance, secure the drag handle to one of the D-rings on the Sked backpack. This allows you to drag the Sked behind you as you travel. This is ideal if you must travel across ice or snow, as the Sked will glide behind you like a sled. Remember to check on your patient frequently; re-assess vitals, check her comfort and ensure that nothing has shifted or changed. The Sked can also be used in a vertical lift/descent with rescue rope rigged correctly through the lift points, or in a water rescue application with the proper floats and rescue equipment. This should be done only by trained, experienced personnel.
Sked Specs
The most the Sked has ever carried is a 1,300-lb. individual. It measures 9 by 36 inches when rolled in the Cordura backpack. When it is laid out flat, it measures 3 by 8 feet. The Sked is available in two colors: International Orange for civilian use and Camo Green for military.
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