Basket Lashing

“Learn Basket Lashing with step-by-step guides for harness setup, lashing, and foot loops to ensure rescue safety.”

In rescue operations, patient safety is a top priority. Lashing refers to the technique of securing a patient to a rescue stretcher. This technique ensures safe transportation and prevents secondary injuries. This article provides a detailed explanation of the basics of lashing and step-by-step instructions for its execution.

Basic Safety Measures

Ensuring the patient is securely fastened during rescue operations is critical. Below are the essential equipment and techniques for securing patients, especially in challenging terrains.

Necessary Safety Equipment

Webbing Harness
A harness is essential for stabilizing the patient and preventing falls or shifting during transportation. It provides firm support to the body.
Helmet
Protecting the head is crucial. Certified safety helmets are mandatory, especially in rocky terrain or areas with falling debris. They help protect the patient’s head from impact or injury.
Eye Protection
Safety goggles or protective glasses shield the eyes from dust, small stones, or strong winds. Using these is highly recommended to protect the patient’s vision.

Securing in Challenging Terrains

Lashing Techniques
In technical terrains, special lashing methods are necessary to avoid worsening injuries. The harness must be adjusted to distribute pressure evenly across the body, preventing further trauma.
Terrain-Specific Adjustments
On rocky or steep surfaces, adjust the harness position and lashing method to reduce additional pressure or friction caused by the equipment.

Key Considerations

Positioning of Lashing Points
Use the lowest rail of the stretcher to secure the patient. Avoid using the upper rail to prevent unnecessary friction with rocks or terrain.
Avoiding Excessive Pressure
Take care to avoid compressing the patient’s body excessively. Proper padding should be used to prevent complications like compartment syndrome.

By following these safety measures and using the right equipment, maximum protection can be ensured during rescue operations.

Detailed Procedure

Lashing plays a vital role in securing the patient and protecting them from potential risks during transport. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Communicating the Plan

Explain the Evacuation Plan:
Clearly explain the steps to the patient to ensure they understand the process. This reduces anxiety and encourages cooperation.

2. Preparing the Stretcher

Check the Stretcher:
Ensure all components of the stretcher are correctly assembled, especially if using a modular type.
Secure Connection Points:
Inspect and tighten all connection points to avoid breakage or accidental detachment during transport.

3. Executing the Lashing

Secure to the Lowest Rail:
Place the patient on the stretcher and attach the webbing or straps to the lowest rail. This prevents the patient from sliding off.
Minimize Movement:
Use webbing or straps to tightly secure the patient, ensuring they are immobile. Avoid using the upper rail to prevent potential friction injuries.

4. Ensuring Comfort and Preventing Compression

Apply Padding:
Place padding in critical areas to prevent excessive pressure on the patient’s body, reducing the risk of complications like compartment syndrome.
Manage Body Temperature:
Use insulation materials or thermal blankets, especially in cold environments, to prevent hypothermia.

5. Final Safety Checks

Reinspect Lashing:
After securing the patient, double-check all straps and connection points for tightness and security.
Check the Patient’s Condition:
Confirm the patient’s comfort and ensure there are no adverse effects from the lashing.

Following these steps ensures that the patient is safely secured and the rescue operation proceeds smoothly.

Preparing the Stokes Basket

The Stokes Basket is commonly used for vertical or horizontal lifts. It includes chest and pelvic harnesses to prevent the patient from sliding. An 8-meter (30-foot) webbing is used for external lashing, ensuring the patient is firmly secured inside the basket.

By mastering these techniques, rescuers can effectively protect and transport patients in a wide range of challenging situations.

Detailed Lashing Methods

Securing patients in rescue operations must be done safely and quickly. Below are step-by-step instructions for using a chest harness and pelvic harness to secure patients effectively.

Chest Harness Installation (Chest Harness)

Prepare the Harness
Create an 18-inch webbing loop for the chest harness. Ensure the loop is positioned at the center of the patient’s chest.
Place the Loop
Lower the loop over the patient’s head and position it at the chest’s center. Then, pass both ends of the loop under the patient’s arms and tie them in front of the chest.
Adjust the Webbing
Tighten the webbing to prevent the patient from sliding upward in the basket. Secure it with a round turn and half hitch knot.

Pelvic Harness Installation (Sit Harness)

Prepare the Webbing
Create a loop in the webbing, similar to the chest harness setup.
Place the Loop
Position the loop around the patient’s waist. Pass one end around one leg and the other end around the opposite leg.
Secure the Webbing
Pass the webbing ends under the loop and tie them at the top of the pelvis using a round turn and half hitch. This prevents the patient from sliding downward.

Exterior Lashing

Position the Webbing
Use an 8-meter (30-foot) webbing to secure the patient in an X-pattern within the basket. The webbing should run parallel along the patient’s upper and lower body.
Tie the Webbing
Fasten the webbing to the vertical members of the basket using a round turn and two half hitches. This ensures the patient remains stable and doesn’t move during transport.

These steps ensure the patient is securely fastened in the basket, providing safety during lifting and movement. Rescue teams must master these techniques and apply them effectively in real rescue scenarios.

Foot Loop Installation Procedure

Foot loops are particularly useful during vertical movements to improve patient comfort and safety. Below is a clear explanation of the leg lashing method, as proposed by Rick Lipke from Conterra.

1. Prepare the Webbing

Use approximately 6 meters (20 feet) of webbing.
Attach one end of the webbing to the rail of the stretcher below the patient’s knees. This serves as the base point for the foot loop.

2. Create the Foot Loop

Wrap the webbing from one foot to the opposite side, forming a loop outside the foot.
Pass the webbing back across the stretcher to the other rail, then thread it through and catch the webbing under the foot. This forms loops to support both feet.

3. Secure the Tail

Tighten the webbing and return to the starting point. Ensure there’s no slack.
Secure the remaining tail to the initial rail with a knot to ensure stability.

4. Add Safety Measures

On steep terrain, consider using abrasion-resistant padding, such as a SAM splint or rope guard, to protect the patient’s knees from friction.

Simplified Foot Loop Setup

For a quicker setup, create a simple knot instead of fully looping the webbing around the feet. Wrap the webbing once around each foot and secure it to the stretcher rail. This method is useful when time is critical.

Conclusion

Lashing techniques are indispensable in rescue operations and, when performed correctly, ensure patient safety. By mastering these methods, rescue teams can carry out efficient and secure operations. Always strive to stay updated with the latest techniques and apply them in real-life scenarios to enhance rescue outcomes.