An improved rescue basket to be used in search and rescue operations capable of safely, holding two adults and drastically improving recovery time in an environment where every second counts.
Rescue baskets are a vital tool for recovering victims who are stranded on rooftops, ship decks, and most notably in large bodies of water. Traditionally helicopters will deploy the rescue basket via cable and hoist, followed by lifting the victim from the ground or water up to safety. Currently, the ability to respond to mass rescue incidents are somewhat limited as the rescue baskets can only safely hold one victim (maximum 300 pounds). Additionally, single passenger rescue basket operations can become complicated if the victim is tall, heavy, wounded, or wearing multiple layers that may hamper their ability to enter the rescue basket. These factors may drastically affect the speed and safety of rescue operations and cost lives.
This invention is for a welded, light-weight stainless steel rescue basket with an open end for smoothly loading victims who are wounded or too large for single-passenger recovery tools, a door that can partially close off the open end for safety during transportation, and the capacity to hold two adults. It also includes a flotation system that allows the basket to foat even when loaded.
The Technology
This invention includes a rectangular structural frame with a first end, a second end, two sides, a bottom and an open top defining a basked cavity with the capacity of holding two full-sized individuals. A net liner covers the bottom of the basket. This invention also includes a door mechanism positioned at the first end of the frame. The door mechanism has a crossbar spanning from each side of the rail with a latch that secures the door and bushings that allow the crossbar to easily slide up and down the rails. The basket also includes a bail assembly with a pair of handles, a ring for a cable and hoist attachment, and has two cylindrical floats positioned at each end of the basket. These floats are held in place by metal rods and attached to the frame.
