Skedco, Inc.

Tel: 503.639.2119
PO Box 230487
Fax: 503.639.4538 THE

SKED RESCUE SYSTEM

®
16420 SW 72nd Ave,
Order: 800.770.SKED (7533)
Portland, OR 97281-0487
Email: skedco@skedco.com
Web Site: www.skedco.com

NATIONAL (NATO) STOCK NUMBER: NSN 6530-01-260-1227

D C B
D
A

C
E

Slots for Ethafoam and Inflatable Logs

Handles

Cross-Straps

A. Inflatable Flotation Logs or

Ethafoam Logs with Covers
B. Lead-Shot Ballast (15 lbs.)
B C. Inflatable Chest Pad
D. Long Extra Handles
E. Retainer Strap (only comes
with Foam Log system)

Distributed by: Pictured on the right is the com-

plete SKED® rescue system (SK-800)

FLOTATION INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Foam Floats are secured on
outside. The chest pad and ballast
bag are in the front pockets.
Inflatable Floats also fit into the
front pockets.
Please Post In Your Training Area
 SKED RAPID DEPLOYMENT FLOATATION SYSTEM INFLATABLE FLOTATION LOGS INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for your purchase of the Sked Rapid Deployment Flotation System. This system is designed to provide The Sked® float logs can be inflated either before or after attachment to the sked® or other litter.
the fastest water rescue of any litter flotation system on the market. It consists of a Sked Stretcher, pre-rigged with
inflatable floats and ballast, rolled loosely in a duffel type bag. In operation, the bag is unzipped, cross straps tightened, TO INFLATE:
and floats inflated. The Sked can then be put in the water. Patient packaging and retrieval using this system may be Pull on the inflator Ball and the C-O2 cylinder is activated to fill the floats. Do not remove the C-O2 cylinder from the
accomplished in as little as one minute. detonator until you have a replacement cylinder for it. It will allow the float to deflate if missing.

Please read these instructions carefully and practice the procedures in water rescue simulations, to be sure you can TO USE THE ORAL INFLATOR:
perform a rescue when the need arises. These instructions are not a substitute for the Sked Stretcher instructions. You Turn the locking ring to allow the end to be depressed. Press the rubber tip against your teeth to open the valve and
should be thoroughly familiar with all instructions before attempting to use the Sked Rapid Deployment System. blow into it. When the desired amount of air is inside the float, release the inflator and secure the locking ring.

If you have purchased a complete Sked Rapid Deployment System, it will be pre-rigged and ready for use. If you have TO DEFLATE:
purchased the Rapid Deployment Conversion Kit for your existing Sked Stretcher, however, it will be necessary to Pull the ball attached to the dump valve and squeeze the float until deflated.
assemble and pre-rig the system prior to use. In either case, it is critical that all components be assembled properly.
REPAIRING SKEDCO FLOTATION BLADDARS:
On occasion a float bladdar gets damaged. When this happens do not throw the float away.
INFLATABLE FLOAT LOGS Skedco has repair kits available.
TO USE:
Skedco Inc. manufactures flotation equipment for the SKED® and other stretchers to improve their usefulness and Open the zipper on the float. Carefully pull the urethane bladdar out through the zipper opening. It is not usually
versatility. Standard SKED® flotation utilizes closed cell foam for float logs on each side of the stretcher, an inflatable necessary to remove the inflator valve; but if you do, replace the gasget if it leaks upon reassembly. Locate the hole
chest pad, and a lead weighted ballast bag for the foot end. This configuration insures that the SKED® stretcher will and apply cement to the area the same size as the patch and to the patch. Let it dry until tacky and place the patch
always float nearly vertically, with the patient’s head out of the water, even in the most volatile water conditions. onto the damaged material. Press it firmly into place. Wait an hour or so to use.

At the request of the military and other agencies interested in light weight and portability, Skedco Inc. developed an ******NOTE******
inflatable float option. This option differs from the standard flotation in two ways: Be sure to rinse all rescue equipment with fresh water after using it in salt water!

• The floats consist of inflatable bladders, with a built-in C-O2 inflation system; and
• The ballast bag does not contain lead - it must be filled with rocks, dirt or similar material in the field. INFLATABLE FLOTATION LOG DETAIL
The inflatable float logs are made of a tough, heat sealable urethane material, with a tough nylon outer shell which Rubber Tip
is coated for strength and durability. Each log has a C-O2 rapid inflator and an oral inflator. The quick dump valve will
deflate the float log in seconds for rapid breakdown and storage, and it also serves as an “over-pressure” valve to
prevent over inflation. The chest pad features and oral inflator, usually one breath of air is necessary. All materials are
mildew resistant and are the highest quality available. Locking Ring
CO2 Cartridge

If a small amount of air is needed in the floats to achieve neutral buoyancy in underwater rescues or applications, the Detonator
oral inflator can be used. The oral inflator can also be used to fill the floats when necessary. Each float can be inflated
with about four breaths of air. The oral inflator has a spring loaded safety valve which must be depressed to add or
release air. There is a locking ring to prevent the accidental release of air. Oral Inflator Pull Tab

Caution: do not fully inflate the floats with the C-O2 inflators while deep in the water. It will cause the stretcher to
surface too quickly causing injury to the patient.
Zipper
Skedco flotation model numbers and options
Securing Straps
SK-600-GR Skedco foam flotation System, Camoflage
SK-600-OR Skedco foam flotation System, International Orange Over Pressure
SK-600A Skedco Inflatable flotation System, (Empty Ballast Bag) Dump Valve
SK-600B Skedco Hybrid flotation System, (Inflatable Floats, Full Ballast Bag)
SK-650-GR Skedco Rapid Deployment Water Rescue System, Camoflage
SK-650-OR Skedco Rapid Deployment Water Rescue System, International Orange Pull Tab
SK-655 Extra long lifting handles (used for lifting from water)

Contact skedco for details regarding any flotation option

 SK-600 ASSEMBLY AND PRE-RIGGING OF THE RAPID DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
FLOTATION SYSTEM FOR SKED® STRETCHER 1. Unroll the Sked® Stretcher and back roll it so that it lays flat, as shown in the Sked® Stretcher
instruction booklet.

Extra Long Handle Inflatable Flotation Logs 2. Attach the inflatable float logs to the sides of the Sked® by passing the female parts of each buckle
SK-604 through the slots that are parallel to the side of the Sked®. Then bring the male part of the buckle
SK-606 SK-605 around the side of the Sked® and attach to the female part. Be sure that the end of each float, with
the C02 detonator and the Oral Inflator, is at the head end of the Sked®. The float logs are marked
“right” and “left,” so be sure that the “right” float is on the patient’s right side.
Sked® Stretcher
SK-201 3. Attach the two long extra webbing handles by passing them through the unused grommets in the
shoulder area of the Sked®, from the outside in.

4. Place the ballast bag containing 15 pounds of lead shot inside the foot end of the Sked® between the
two grommets. Pass the velcro straps on the ballast bag through the grommets from the inside out,
around the sides, and back up over the bag, attaching to the velcro on the bag.
CO2 Cartridge
SK-653 5. Fasten the two lower cross straps on the Sked® to the buckles on the opposite side. Do not tighten the
straps; allow the stretcher to remain flat.

6. Pass the two upper cross straps through the webbing loops at the ends of the chest pad and fasten
them to the buckles on the opposite side. All cross straps should be fastened loosely enough to allow
the Sked® to lay flat.

7. Pass the ends of the two foot straps through the open grommets on the lower sides, bring them back
and through the buckles sewn to the foot straps. Tighten these straps until the foot end of the Sked®
is pulled up into a toboggan shape.

8. The Sked® is now pre-rigged for rapid deployment. To store the pre-rigged Sked® Rapid Deployment
System, simply roll it up from the foot end to about a 12 inch diameter. Be sure not to allow the
deflated floats to extend out over the edge of the Sked®. Failure to prevent this can result in damaged
float bladders. DO NOT PLACE ANY STRAP AROUND THE ROLLED-UP SKED®.
NOTE:
SK-600A 9. Place the prepared system in the Rapid Deployment Bag and close the zippers.
Sked® Inflatable Flotation System
(Empty ballast bag)
SK-600B
USE OF THE SKED® RAPID DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
Sked® Hybrid Inflatable Flotation System 1. Open the zippers on the Rapid Deployment Bag all the way.
(Weighted)
2. Hold the head end of the Sked® and unroll it to its full length.

Ballast Bag Inflatable Chest Pad 3. Pull the bottom (foot end) cross strap up tight and the second strap to about 4 inches from tight.
SK-607 (Empty) SK-602
SK-601 (Weighted) 4. Pull the top two cross straps about half way, so that the sides are vertical.

5. Inflate both float logs by pulling the inflator ball on each float.

6. Inflate the chest pad orally. One to two breaths will be enough.

7. Tuck the long extra handles between the float and the stretcher, to keep them out of the way during
the packaging procedure, yet easy to get to when needed for pulling the stretcher from the water.

8. The Sked® is now ready for a water rescue. Follow the Sked® Rescue System Flotation Instructions in
completing the water rescue.
 SK-600 ASSEMBLY AND PRE-RIGGING OF THE RAPID DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
FLOTATION SYSTEM FOR SKED® STRETCHER 1. Unroll the Sked® Stretcher and back roll it so that it lays flat, as shown in the Sked® Stretcher
instruction booklet.

Extra Long Handle Inflatable Flotation Logs 2. Attach the inflatable float logs to the sides of the Sked® by passing the female parts of each buckle
SK-604 through the slots that are parallel to the side of the Sked®. Then bring the male part of the buckle
SK-606 SK-605 around the side of the Sked® and attach to the female part. Be sure that the end of each float, with
the C02 detonator and the Oral Inflator, is at the head end of the Sked®. The float logs are marked
“right” and “left,” so be sure that the “right” float is on the patient’s right side.
Sked® Stretcher
SK-201 3. Attach the two long extra webbing handles by passing them through the unused grommets in the
shoulder area of the Sked®, from the outside in.

4. Place the ballast bag containing 15 pounds of lead shot inside the foot end of the Sked® between the
two grommets. Pass the velcro straps on the ballast bag through the grommets from the inside out,
around the sides, and back up over the bag, attaching to the velcro on the bag.
CO2 Cartridge
SK-653 5. Fasten the two lower cross straps on the Sked® to the buckles on the opposite side. Do not tighten the
straps; allow the stretcher to remain flat.

6. Pass the two upper cross straps through the webbing loops at the ends of the chest pad and fasten
them to the buckles on the opposite side. All cross straps should be fastened loosely enough to allow
the Sked® to lay flat.

7. Pass the ends of the two foot straps through the open grommets on the lower sides, bring them back
and through the buckles sewn to the foot straps. Tighten these straps until the foot end of the Sked®
is pulled up into a toboggan shape.

8. The Sked® is now pre-rigged for rapid deployment. To store the pre-rigged Sked® Rapid Deployment
System, simply roll it up from the foot end to about a 12 inch diameter. Be sure not to allow the
deflated floats to extend out over the edge of the Sked®. Failure to prevent this can result in damaged
float bladders. DO NOT PLACE ANY STRAP AROUND THE ROLLED-UP SKED®.
NOTE:
SK-600A 9. Place the prepared system in the Rapid Deployment Bag and close the zippers.
Sked® Inflatable Flotation System
(Empty ballast bag)
SK-600B
USE OF THE SKED® RAPID DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM
Sked® Hybrid Inflatable Flotation System 1. Open the zippers on the Rapid Deployment Bag all the way.
(Weighted)
2. Hold the head end of the Sked® and unroll it to its full length.

Ballast Bag Inflatable Chest Pad 3. Pull the bottom (foot end) cross strap up tight and the second strap to about 4 inches from tight.
SK-607 (Empty) SK-602
SK-601 (Weighted) 4. Pull the top two cross straps about half way, so that the sides are vertical.

5. Inflate both float logs by pulling the inflator ball on each float.

6. Inflate the chest pad orally. One to two breaths will be enough.

7. Tuck the long extra handles between the float and the stretcher, to keep them out of the way during
the packaging procedure, yet easy to get to when needed for pulling the stretcher from the water.

8. The Sked® is now ready for a water rescue. Follow the Sked® Rescue System Flotation Instructions in
completing the water rescue.
 SKED RAPID DEPLOYMENT FLOATATION SYSTEM INFLATABLE FLOTATION LOGS INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for your purchase of the Sked Rapid Deployment Flotation System. This system is designed to provide The Sked® float logs can be inflated either before or after attachment to the sked® or other litter.
the fastest water rescue of any litter flotation system on the market. It consists of a Sked Stretcher, pre-rigged with
inflatable floats and ballast, rolled loosely in a duffel type bag. In operation, the bag is unzipped, cross straps tightened, TO INFLATE:
and floats inflated. The Sked can then be put in the water. Patient packaging and retrieval using this system may be Pull on the inflator Ball and the C-O2 cylinder is activated to fill the floats. Do not remove the C-O2 cylinder from the
accomplished in as little as one minute. detonator until you have a replacement cylinder for it. It will allow the float to deflate if missing.

Please read these instructions carefully and practice the procedures in water rescue simulations, to be sure you can TO USE THE ORAL INFLATOR:
perform a rescue when the need arises. These instructions are not a substitute for the Sked Stretcher instructions. You Turn the locking ring to allow the end to be depressed. Press the rubber tip against your teeth to open the valve and
should be thoroughly familiar with all instructions before attempting to use the Sked Rapid Deployment System. blow into it. When the desired amount of air is inside the float, release the inflator and secure the locking ring.

If you have purchased a complete Sked Rapid Deployment System, it will be pre-rigged and ready for use. If you have TO DEFLATE:
purchased the Rapid Deployment Conversion Kit for your existing Sked Stretcher, however, it will be necessary to Pull the ball attached to the dump valve and squeeze the float until deflated.
assemble and pre-rig the system prior to use. In either case, it is critical that all components be assembled properly.
REPAIRING SKEDCO FLOTATION BLADDARS:
On occasion a float bladdar gets damaged. When this happens do not throw the float away.
INFLATABLE FLOAT LOGS Skedco has repair kits available.
TO USE:
Skedco Inc. manufactures flotation equipment for the SKED® and other stretchers to improve their usefulness and Open the zipper on the float. Carefully pull the urethane bladdar out through the zipper opening. It is not usually
versatility. Standard SKED® flotation utilizes closed cell foam for float logs on each side of the stretcher, an inflatable necessary to remove the inflator valve; but if you do, replace the gasget if it leaks upon reassembly. Locate the hole
chest pad, and a lead weighted ballast bag for the foot end. This configuration insures that the SKED® stretcher will and apply cement to the area the same size as the patch and to the patch. Let it dry until tacky and place the patch
always float nearly vertically, with the patient’s head out of the water, even in the most volatile water conditions. onto the damaged material. Press it firmly into place. Wait an hour or so to use.

At the request of the military and other agencies interested in light weight and portability, Skedco Inc. developed an ******NOTE******
inflatable float option. This option differs from the standard flotation in two ways: Be sure to rinse all rescue equipment with fresh water after using it in salt water!

• The floats consist of inflatable bladders, with a built-in C-O2 inflation system; and
• The ballast bag does not contain lead - it must be filled with rocks, dirt or similar material in the field. INFLATABLE FLOTATION LOG DETAIL
The inflatable float logs are made of a tough, heat sealable urethane material, with a tough nylon outer shell which Rubber Tip
is coated for strength and durability. Each log has a C-O2 rapid inflator and an oral inflator. The quick dump valve will
deflate the float log in seconds for rapid breakdown and storage, and it also serves as an “over-pressure” valve to
prevent over inflation. The chest pad features and oral inflator, usually one breath of air is necessary. All materials are
mildew resistant and are the highest quality available. Locking Ring
CO2 Cartridge

If a small amount of air is needed in the floats to achieve neutral buoyancy in underwater rescues or applications, the Detonator
oral inflator can be used. The oral inflator can also be used to fill the floats when necessary. Each float can be inflated
with about four breaths of air. The oral inflator has a spring loaded safety valve which must be depressed to add or
release air. There is a locking ring to prevent the accidental release of air. Oral Inflator Pull Tab

Caution: do not fully inflate the floats with the C-O2 inflators while deep in the water. It will cause the stretcher to
surface too quickly causing injury to the patient.
Zipper
Skedco flotation model numbers and options
Securing Straps
SK-600-GR Skedco foam flotation System, Camoflage
SK-600-OR Skedco foam flotation System, International Orange Over Pressure
SK-600A Skedco Inflatable flotation System, (Empty Ballast Bag) Dump Valve
SK-600B Skedco Hybrid flotation System, (Inflatable Floats, Full Ballast Bag)
SK-650-GR Skedco Rapid Deployment Water Rescue System, Camoflage
SK-650-OR Skedco Rapid Deployment Water Rescue System, International Orange Pull Tab
SK-655 Extra long lifting handles (used for lifting from water)

Contact skedco for details regarding any flotation option

 THE
SKED RESCUE SYSTEM ®

FLOTATION INSTRUCTIONS
SKEDCO has added a new dimension in litter flotation by developing a system, which pad provide approximately 70 pounds of flotation. In order to make the SKED® float
enables the SKED® stretcher to float nearly vertically. vertically we use a 15-pound ballast, made of lead shot in a nylon bag. The ballast is
attached to the SKED® with nylon straps and Velcro.
Vertical flotation prevents the possibility of patient drowning due to capsizing. The
SKED® stretcher will not float face down. It is self-righting when upended. In order to lift the SKED® from the water, we provide you with two extra-long
webbing handles. They are inserted through unused grommets in the shoulder area.
Flotation of the SKED® stretcher is accomplished with a pair of 6-inch diameter
Ethafoam logs and an inflatable chest pad. The Ethafoam floats and inflatable chest

PRE-RIGGING
THE SKED® FOR
WATER RESCUE

Slots for
Ethafoam Logs

FIG.2 Fasten the two FIG.3 Attach the ballast FIG.4 Attach the two FIG.5 Attach the covered FIG.6 Upper cross-straps pass through
lower cross-straps and (lead-shot weight) inside long webbing handles by Ethafoam logs to the SKED® appropriate strap loops on chest pad.
tighten them enough the foot end of the SKED® passing them through the by passing one end of the Cross-straps should then be fastened and
to pull the sides up and by placing it between the unused grommets in the retaining straps through the left in a loose position.
prevent the SKED® from two grommets at the foot shoulder area, from the proper slots in SKED® and
bending. Fasten the two end of the SKED®. Pass outside in. fasten them to their opposite To inflate the chest pad:
foot straps in order to the straps through the ends, using the Fastex buckles Loosen the lock ring below
bring the foot end up grommets from the inside provided. It is critical that the the rubber tip of the inflator
into the toboggan shape. out, and lay them across the straps go all the way around valve. Press the rubber tip
Velcro on the ballast bag. the longs and through the against your teeth and blow
FIG.1 Unroll the SKED® slots on the SKED®. air in. It will take about two
stretcher and lay it flat. breaths to fill the chest pad.

TO PERFORM A WATER RESCUE:

FIG.7 While supporting your patient under the small of the back with one hand, use the other FIG.8 When you have the heand-end low enough in the water, move your patient (FEET FIRST)
hand to push the head-end of the SKED® under water. Chest pad will float supporting upper over the top end of the SKED® and down into it.
cross-straps in open position for easy entry.

FIG.10 Once the patient is completely

into the SKED®, allow the stretcher to
go into a head-up position. Be sure your
patient’s legs are inside the two lower
FIG.9 When the patient’s head is on the SKED®, cross-straps and the feet are on the
place his/her arms inside the straps. foot end-flap. FIG.11 Tighten all straps.

FIG.16 The surface people

can now pull the stretcher
from the water and gently
lay it down.

POST RIGGING:
FIG.12, 13 Your patient is now ready to be towed to a boat, FIG. 14 The swimmer will hand the tow FIG.15 The swimmer will then hand Your patient can be treated in the SKED®,
dock, or other surface location and hauled from the water. handle to a person on the surface. the ends of the long extra handles transferred to another boat or ship,
up to two people on the surface. hoisted into a helicopter, or just removed
from the SKED® from treatment.

Placement of the flotation components is critical. Be sure to These rescue instructions are general. An alteration of technique
follow the instructions for rigging. may be necessary, depending on the type of rescue performed.
Skedco, Inc.
Tel: 503.691.7909
PO Box 3390
Fax: 503.691.7973 THE

SKED RESCUE SYSTEM

®
10505 SW Manhasset Dr.
Order: 800.770.SKED (7533)
Tualatin, OR 97062
Email: skedco@skedco.com
Web Site: www.skedco.com

D C B
D
A

C
E

Slots for Ethafoam and Inflatable Logs

Handles

Cross-Straps

A. Inflatable Flotation Logs or

Ethafoam Logs with Covers
B. Lead-Shot Ballast (15 lbs.)
B C. Inflatable Chest Pad
D. Long Extra Handles
E. Retainer Strap (only comes
with Foam Log system)

Distributed by: Pictured on the right is the com-

plete SKED® rescue system (SK-800)

FLOTATION INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Foam Floats are secured on
outside. The chest pad and ballast
bag are in the front pockets.
Inflatable Floats also fit into the
front pockets.
Please Post In Your Training Area