Search & rescue teams and ski patrol
Rapid patient extraction that fits in your pocket
A full litter is too heavy to carry on every callout. A drag sheet gives the spine nothing. The Pocket Litter sits in between: 2.5 lb, deployed in under 10 seconds, with stiffeners that stabilize the spine while you move the subject to the full litter or the landing zone.
Every second counts
The first responder on scene is often alone
The hasty team reaches the subject first, with what fits in their packs. The litter team is an hour behind, or the full litter is at the trailhead. If the subject has to move now, because of weather, rockfall, water or a helicopter window, the hasty team needs a way to do it that protects the spine.
The Pocket Litter is that bridge. It moves the subject from the injury site to a safer spot, a casualty collection point or the landing zone, where the full litter and the rest of the team take over.
How it works
- DeployPull it from a cargo pocket or pack pouch and unfold it in seconds.
- SecureThe integrated hub and straps stabilize the spine and torso.
- DragMove the subject over scree, roots, snow or stairs.
- TransferHand off to the full litter, the vehicle or the aircraft.
Why it's different
More than a drag sheet
- 2.5 lb, 6 × 9.25 × 1.75 in packed. Fits a cargo pocket or side pouch.
- 400 lb load tested. Large subjects, with pack and gear.
- Under 10 second deployment. Out of the bag, extended and locked.
- One-to-one extraction. One rescuer can move the subject while others prepare the evacuation.
- Stiffeners and hub system. Real spine stabilization, not just nylon.
- Smooth underside. Slides over rough ground and resists snagging.
| Weight | 2.5 lb (3 lb in the carry bag) |
|---|---|
| Folded | 6 × 9.25 × 1.75 in |
| Load capacity | 400 lb (tested) |
| Deployment | Under 10 seconds |
| Use cases | Hasty team extraction, partner rescue, SAR callouts, ski patrol, canyon and talus |
Use cases
Where SAR teams use it
Bridge to the full litter
Move the subject from the injury site to the CCP or a landing zone when the full litter isn't on hand yet.
Narrow passages
Tight, narrow terrain where a toboggan can't reach the patient yet.
Uneven terrain
Drag over broken rock and boulder fields without snagging.
Stairs and hallways
Stairwells, hallways and doorways where a rigid litter can't turn.
Comparing options? See rescue litter types compared: Stokes, SKED, poleless and pocket litters.
SAR FAQ
Questions from rescue teams
When do I use the Pocket Litter instead of a full litter?
Use the Pocket Litter for the initial extraction from the injury site to a casualty collection point, or when a full litter isn't practical to carry. It is not a replacement for long-distance carries or technical vertical rescue.
What terrain can it handle?
Scree, roots, snow, stairs and narrow corridors. The smooth underside and reinforced stiffeners help prevent snags.
Does it work for larger patients?
It is load tested to 400 lb. The hub and webbing distribute the load for single-rescuer drags.
How do I clean and decon it?
Wipe it down with mild soap and water and air dry. Inspect the webbing and stiffeners before you refold it.
Can our team or county buy in quantity?
Yes. Request a team quote for pricing and ordering options, including purchase orders.
Put one in every hasty pack
Purchase orders, ordering options and live demos for SAR units and ski patrols.