Litter Team Briefing Checklist
-- Schedule --- FAQ --- Levels --- Documents --- Knots --
-- Training Guide ---
note: this covers only that material that the Litter Captain must convey to the Litter Team
General:
- Name & Agency
- Purpose: Quick & Safe evac
- Point out belayer, note his function
Commands:
Basically, no one talks except to give commands or other task related business
Litter captain will be talking to the rope people, but LT has 4 main commands.
"Stop" -- some major or minor problem exists and the litter needs to stop,
belayer locks off
"Falling" -- you or someone you see is falling or slipping, belayer will lock
off.
"Rock" -- some object (rock or not) is coming at you. Describe procedure
"Vomit" -- patient is about to vomit. Remove face shield and rotate litter
toward the medic.
Litter Ops: (practice before loading patient if possible)
Lifting
Practice "Rock" and "Vomit"
Lift with your legs, not back. Lean out on perlon
"Ready to Lift?", team answers ready, speaks up if not; "Lift"
Carrying
Watch for rocks, holes, small trees. Warn others of such
Watch for falling people or objects
If you have to go over a steep incline: lean back onto perlon and rappell
Describe purpose and practice of toenailing
Lowering
"Stop"
"Clear" -- sweep under litter for obstructions
"Ready to Lower?" team answers ready, speaks up if not
"Lower" same story -- don't use your back
Kneel on knee closest to patient
Getting the litter ready:
Get a helmet on
Positions: LC in drivers seat, Medic at the head
Kneel beside litter with knee nearest patient down
Demonstrate Prussik, making sure to keep barrel knot out of the system
Check biner and prussik of team member across from you.
Starting the Pitch
Preload (explain significance)
Sample briefing (coming soon!)
Mit Robertson, 10/96