Med Sled Instruction Sheets

Ascending a Stairwell Evacuation Instructions

The Med Sled ®

is designed to limit the strength and manpower

needed for vertical descents. Using the Med Sled ® in an ASCENDING situation requires brute strength and coordinated effort. Below are the instructions for safely using the Med Sled ® in an ascending situation for people 250 lbs or less. The Med Sled ® can be carried by two, four or six people. However, the safest method we recommend is using the braking tether. In situations where people weigh more than 250lb. we recommend using the Med Sled® as a litter or stretcher and 4-6 men carry the patient up the steps. Follow loading instructions provided with each sled before ascending. Position the Med Sled ® at the base of the stairs centered. (See Fig. 1) Pull the braking system carabiner up one flight of stairs allowing the braking tether to extend Attach the braking carabiner to the top railing bracket or highest anchor point available (See Fig. 2) Three capable people are needed for a safe and quick ascent. a. One at the top of the steps b. One on each side of the sled at the shoulder area (See Fig. 3) The two strong people on each side of the sled will grasp the handles (optional add-on) or perimeter tether by the patient’s shoulder with their hand that is facing the sled. Position your feet with your inside foot one step below your inside hand that is grasping the sled and your outside foot two steps higher. (See Fig. 4) a. Grab the railing (if there is one) with our outside hand b. You will use your arm strength AND your leg strength to raise the sled 2 to 3 steps and then stop The person at the top of the steps will pull on the braking tether taking out the slack the stairwell team created by raising the sled up the steps. (See Fig. 4) a. When you move the sled 2 to 3 steps and stop the braking tether will hold the sled securely on the steps while the two people lifting the sled will reposition their feet. b. This is a coordinated effort and the people lifting the sled should communicate when they are lifting together AND when the braking tether should be tight (yelling “brake” or “hold”) so they can release and reposition. Repeat this process until the sled reaches the top landing or the connection point of the braking Carabiner. a. If the carabiner is near the top step you will need to coordinate the LAST lift of the sled. b. Take the sled as high as it will go. With the braking tether holding, the people lifting the sled should reposition their feet as high as they can. c. The person at the top should hold the braking tether in their right hand and prepare to grab the sled with their left hand. As they lift the sled onto the landing. The braking tether MUST be released to allow the sled to pass the carabiner fastening point. (See Fig. 5) d. This is a coordinated effort for all three individuals to get the sled safely on the landing. NO ONE should take their hands off of the sled until it is securely on the landing. e. The braking tether and carabiner are then moved to the top of the next landing and the process is repeated.

Closeup of carabiner hooked to handrail

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FIG. 1

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FIG. 2

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FIG. 3

FIG. 4

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PROVIDE SLACK

PRODUCT WARNINGS • Never leave patient unattended. • Caution: This apparatus requires 3 people to operate. • Caution: Risk of falling in the use of this product • Warning, safety straps produce danger of strangulation.

FIG. 5

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©2014ARC Products, LLC. Med Sled is a registered trademark ofARC Products, LLC. U.S. Patent No.(s) 7810820, 8172238, 8333392. MS-ASCEND-IS(9-15-14)