I am about to begin my Pavehawk using CC upograde sets and all the other stuff we have spoken about. Here is my question. Is the Stokes Litter still carried, or is a backboard more appropriate? I am asking because I recently got the Pro Art DUMVEE conversion which comes with a really nice back board with neck supports.
Here’s how it looks:
I was thinking of painting it orange and strapping it in the back. What do you think?
[2c]
All the pix I’ve got from Sal, and everything I’ve seen online and published show a Stokes litter strapped somewhere one or near the internal aux. tank. I’ve seen backboards like that used on Hospital medivacs like our own Life Force but I think the Stokes is used because it can be hoisted.
Sal - I’m hoping you’ll say I’m wrong here, 'cause that’s a real nice looking a.m. backboard.
That is what I was thinking too. Much easier than scratching a Stokes Litter too.
Sal - Are you out there? Save us and tell us the Back Board is O.K. to use.
Wellllll…Here’s the deal. We ALWAYS have the stokes onboard just like Grant said, and it’s usually secured to the forward lower portion of the internal Aux fuel tanks/bin. I’ve seen other units actually store it attached to the cabin roof just forward of the tanks, but personally I think that limits more movement in the cabin. Grant is also correct in that we usually secure the objective (patient/survivor) to the Stokes and utilize that rigid structure to isolate movement.
Now for the good news bad news. Yes we sometimes also carry a backboard, but after looking at the AM one Gino has, it’s not exactly the same. The one we carry is a somewhat shorter more compact version. Basically it’s the length of a human torso with head. Normally when it’s used it is in conjunction with a Stokes, but more often the Stokes is used by itself to transport/hoist/secure survivors. It’s hard to say exactly how much shorter than the full sized AM version you have, but it is smaller and shorter. Now does that mean you could use the AM backboard with some modifications…sure. Could you use the one you have…probably, but since you asked for the straight gouge…there it is.
It is a damn good looking backboard.
Thanks Sal. That is what I figured. Guess I still will have to build the Stokes. May put the backboard on board as well, using a little artistic license with it.
Aw, crap. Time to break out the old soldering iron and some mesh. This is gonna get messy. I think I’ll wait until after the move.
Gino,
SOunds like a good plan. In fact, I’m toying with the idea of picking up that AM kit and maybe doing the same thing, albeit with a UH-60A MEDEVAC bird from the 68th MED.
Grant,
Good luck with the move. I hate moving so much I told the wife that she’s goning to have to bury me in the back yard of our new (2 years now) place.
I’ll see if I can borrow a camera, and show you the pictures of my scratchbuilt stokes litter for the RNoAF Sea King I’m building…
Thanks Shark, that could help us all out.
Grant, I hear you. Currently in the middle of moving to larger quarters and it is a headache.
Sal, The back board looks great. I would recommend getting it.
SHark-41, Pics of your Stokes Litter would be a great help. Would love to see them.
Off Topic
Gino I’ve tried to contact you by mail a few times. Please let me know if you recived any of the messages.
Avus,
Good to hear from you. Just sent an email from this forum. Let me know if you get it.
HeavyArty I’ve replied to your mail via FSM-mail. Hope you receive it.
Regarding this topic I found a site with two small pics and some specs that sould make your soldering easier Grant!
Yes! Thank you Avus!