What litter can you use for extrication in a collapsed building?

The sked, or a sked stretcher, is specifically designed for extrication situations, especially in challenging environments like collapsed buildings. Its unique structure allows it to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces and its flexibility makes it suitable for navigating through debris. The sked’s design accommodates a patient in a supine position and allows for secure transport without further risking injury, which is crucial when a person may already be in a precarious situation due to a collapse.

While stretchers, backboards, and reinforced EMS gurneys are valuable tools in patient transport and stabilization, they may not offer the same advantages in extrication scenarios. Regular stretchers may be rigid and difficult to maneuver through rubble, backboards can be cumbersome in tight spaces, and gurneys typically require a smooth and clear surface for effective operation. The sked’s adaptability in confined and dangerous environments makes it the preferred choice for effectively extricating individuals from collapsed structures.