Dual-Strap Rescue Harness for Low-Exposure Fireman's Carry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The fireman's carry method poses risks due to prolonged exposure to smoke and heat, obstructed vision, and increased risk of injury from obstacles, especially in firefighting scenarios, while also making it difficult to maintain visibility and support the victim's condition.
Innovation Solution
A harness system comprising two adjustable straps, each secured around the victim and carrier, with a coupler to allow sliding or fixed attachment, ensuring the victim is securely positioned on the carrier's shoulders, freeing both arms for obstacle clearance and victim care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the victim is lifted to the shoulders of the rescuer using the fireman's carry, then the victim's body is level and weight is evenly distributed, but the victim is exposed to more smoke and heat for a prolonged period
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the carrying function into two separate harness assemblies, each handling one side of the victim. This segmentation allows the victim to be supported at a lower position (reducing smoke and heat exposure) while maintaining stable weight distribution through the dual-strap configuration on each shoulder.
2Ease of operation
If the victim is placed in a fireman's carry, then one hand is freed for carrying items or holding support structures, but the rescuer's field of vision is obstructed and critical changes in victim condition may go unnoticed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vision-obstructing element (the victim's body positioned high on the shoulders) and replaces it with a lower-positioned harness system. The victim is secured at waist level rather than shoulder level, freeing the rescuer's vision while maintaining the ability to carry items with both hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness assembly acts as an intermediary device between the rescuer and victim, providing secure attachment points that allow the rescuer to maintain control and monitor the victim without direct shoulder contact. The harness straps and couplers serve as intermediaries that transfer and distribute the victim's weight away from the rescuer's vision area.
3Strength
If the victim is positioned in a fireman's carry, then the victim is supported on the rescuer's shoulders, but it is difficult to get the victim onto the rescuer's shoulders compared to dragging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by securing the victim to the harness straps before lifting. The coupler connects the straps around the victim's torso in advance, creating a pre-assembled support system that can be easily attached to the rescuer's waist, eliminating the difficult shoulder-positioning maneuver.
Data Source
AI summary
A harness assembly to assist in and secure a fireman's carry of a victim. The harness assembly includes an adjustable strap to be secured around the victim and an adjustable strap to be secured over the shoulder and under the armpit of a carrier. A harness system includes two harness assemblies with one harness assembly being attached around a leg of the victim and one shoulder of the carrier and the other harness assembly being attached around the chest of the victim and the other shoulder of the carrier. The straps are adjustable so that they can be cinched.