KANAWHA COUNTY, WV- Rescuers in Kanawha County, West Virginia, have a better way to transport sick or injured persons out of the woods. A new "All Terrain Res-Q Trailer" has been acquired by the ATV Rescue Team at Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department in Cross Lanes, WV. Now, rescue team members can safely transport patients from off-road rescue scenes to a waiting EMS ambulance, or medical helicopter, without the need for 8 to 12 men and women to carry 1 person in a litter, or on a backboard. In stead, a 4-wheel drive all terrain vehicle (ATV) will pull the rescue trailer to a scene, where as few as 3 rescuers (the average ambulance crew) can load and transport the patient, while providing the necessary emergency medical care throughout the run.
Purchased with donations from the community, the new all terrain rescue trailer (ATR) was ordered with several additional options and accessories to assist EMTs and Paramedics as they render aid to victims. Options, like the attendant's seat and a medical / defibrillator tray, plus a battery powered L.E.D. patient light will make patient care easier and more efficient. Also, a new basket stretcher (Stoke's type litter) with a 1,200 pound capacity was ordered to be used with the ATV rescue trailer. This basket stretcher has a double fully welded stainless steel frame which, if needed, can be equipped with a bridle sling and hoisted by a technical or rope rescue team, or a rescue helicopter.
Delivery of the All Terrain Res-Q ATV trailer included a 3 hour "Orientation Session" conducted at the Poca Hunting and Fishing Club. Staff members at this private club remarked "This is certainly a lot better than how we've been doing it over the years. I bet we've carried a dozen out on foot since I've been here." TMVFD Lt. James Hill, the ATV Rescue Team leader followed that statement with "We've had 12 calls over the last two-and-a-half years in our response area where we could have used this!"
While there are a few other departments in West Virginia using off-road trailers for rescue, Tyler Mountain's 'All Terrain Res-Q Trailer' is the first of its' kind in the state. Most other ATV rescue trailers in use are homemade designs, or modified small utility trailers. However, the ATR in service at Tyler Mountain was designed and built from the ground up for one purpose:
"The safe and efficient transportation of sick or injured persons from off-road locations to a waiting emergency ambulance or medical evacuation helicopter."
