CASUALTY EVACUATION MANIKIN USED BY FRS FOR NEW FITNESS TESTS

Given the diversity and intensity of tasks conducted by firefighters daily, there is no surprise about the focus placed on physical fitness across the Fire & Rescue Service (FRS).

The physical and mental demands of the job are especially significant in scenarios that threaten the lives of casualties, or indeed of the firefighters themselves.

The importance of fitness is already recognized at the point of selection, where personnel is required to pass a range of Firefighter Selection Tests (FST).

It is now considered important for the FRS to establish minimum occupational fitness requirements, based on the demands of the job, to form the basis of an annual health and fitness assessment.

An initial task analysis revealed five essential tasks, which a firefighter must be able to perform safely and effectively:

• Hose run
• Equipment Carry
• Stair climb
• Casualty Evacuation
• Wild-land fire

Ruth Lee's Casualty Evacuation manikin is specially designed in accordance with FRS requirements.

Key features & Benefits of the manikin:

• Constructed in the same flame retardant material used in Police ballistic/stab vests
• Typically 4x the strength and abrasion resistance of 16oz canvas or P.V.C
• Anatomically correct weight distribution giving the "feel" of an unconscious casualty.
• Strong webbing loop allows easy handling, hauling aloft, storage, and suspension for drying.
• Supplied complete with leg protectors making it perfect for drag tests.
• Water-repellent material, making it suitable for wet or foul conditions.
• Soft body joints eliminate the risk of pinch welts and bruising; common injuries when using plastic-bodied manikins.
• Comes complete with boots, which are easily replaced if damaged.