While the Med Sled has made its name in hospital settings, we’d like to remind you that it is, in fact, a sled that has proven itself to be a key asset in both training and real-world rescue operations. Whether it’s steep mountain slopes or unpredictable snowy conditions, the Med Sled is designed to support both rescuers and patients in a variety of environments.
Training
During a training exercise at the International Polar Rescue Workshop (IPRW), emergency crews practiced using the Med Sled in complex mountainous terrain. Crews learned how to efficiently package a patient onto the sled without needing to lift them, reducing strain on rescuers. The training involved moving patients through difficult environments, such as steep forested areas, cliffs, and simulated crevasses. The Med Sled’s Vertical Lift Rescue (VLR) system made it possible to safely transport patients while minimizing physical risk to the rescuers.
Search and Rescue
In a real-world scenario, Fremont County Search and Rescue recently utilized the Med Sled to transport a 15-year-old who had been injured in a snowmobile accident in Idaho’s rugged Targhee Creek area. The difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions grounded the medical helicopter that had been dispatched, forcing rescuers to rely on ground transport. After initially moving the patient via a banana sled, the team transferred the teen to a Med Sled for the final stretch of the journey. The Med Sled’s smoother ride avoided causing further injury, enabling a successful two-hour rescue despite the harsh conditions and low visibility.
From training simulations to life-saving rescues, the Med Sled has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to safely and efficiently move patients through some of the most difficult environments. Its rugged design and ease of use make it an essential tool for emergency crews facing challenging rescue scenarios.
