WO2016007994A1

WO2016007994A1 - Rescue board assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2016007994A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000416
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott Tovey BLACKBURN
Original assignee: Tovy Williams Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-16
Filing date: 2015-07-16
Publication date: 2016-01-21

Abstract

A rescue assembly comprising a rescue board having a body, a leading end and a trailing end; a spinal board retained by the rescue board and which is moveable between a first state in which the spinal board is retained by and substantially within a periphery of the rescue board and a second state in which the spinal board is releasable from the periphery of the rescue board for use. The spinal board includes openings which accommodate restraining straps to co operate therewith for securing a patient to the spinal board.

Description

RESCUE BOARD ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND

[0001 ] The present invention relates to rescue devices and assemblies and more particularly relates to such devices used in marine, snow and other environments where injuries can occur. The present invention also relates to rescue boards used in particular though not exclusively in marine rescue such as in beach rescues. The invention further relates to a life saving device which includes a co operating spinal board. More particularly the invention relates to a rescue board and other devices which have associated therewith a separable spinal board. The present invention also provides a rescue assembly in which a spinal board is retained with a footprint of a rescue board.

PRIOR ART

[0002] There are in existence various rescue devices including marine rescue devices used by life savers to rescue persons who are in difficulty or have been injured in a water body such as at a beach, in rivers, in the bush or on the snow. One form of known rescue device comprises a rescue board which is a planar unit having griping handles and which allows persons capable of rescue to grip the rescue board. There are useful for their intended purpose but they have limitations. One such limitation is that a victim must be conscious and able to hold onto the rescue device. Basic rescue devices are useful for victims of rips who have been swept out but are otherwise able bodied. If a victim is unconscious or incapacitated rescuers must directly handle the victim. In a case where a victim has suffered a serious spinal injury such as might occur during surfing, wave dumping, skiing, climbing, bushwalking etc a victim must be handled very carefully. [0003] Presently, if a victim is injured out to sea the handling of the patient onto rescue craft or onto a rescue board can result in further damage, especially in the case of a spinal injury. Currently, there is no readily available spinal board for use in these circumstances. In fact there has been little change to rescue devices over the years despite the increase in spinal cord injuries associated with marine sports such as body surfing, board surfing, snow sports, climbing, rick fishing, bushwalking etc. Marine injury carries the added risk of drowning, so it is imperative that proper rescue equipment be available. Although there has been a previous use of rescue boards, the prior art does not teach an assembly which amalgamates a rescue board and spinal board in one assembly enabling ready availability of the spinal board for rescuers to use during the rescue.

[0004] Consequently there is a long felt want to improve the apparatus and techniques used to achieve rescues in difficult environments to improve long term outcomes from spinal and other injuries and to reduce complications created during rescue procedures.

INVENTION

[0005] With the aforesaid prior art problems and disadvantages of current methodologies, the present invention provides improvements in rescue devices and particularly devices used when spinal injuries could have occurred.

[0006] The present invention provides an alternative to the known rescue devices. More particularly the present invention provides an integrated rescue and spinal board assembly for use in various circumstances such as but not limited to marine environments such as beaches and rivers. The invention further provides a rescue device including a detachable spinal board.

[0007] Outlined broadly below are embodiments and features of the invention to enable the invention to be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to and improvement over the current the art may be better appreciated. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may not only be better understood, but in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0008] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways in various rescue circumstances. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and tenninology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other variations on the rescue assembly, structures, methods and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device which removes the practical disadvantages encountered using current devices and techniques. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. [0010] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[001 1 ] The present invention allows rescuers to adopt recommended practice much earlier in a rescue in the event of a spinal or neck injury. There is a protocol followed once a patient is on dry land, but there is presently no adequate equipment which allows rescuers to adopt safe practice earlier in a rescue and in otherwise difficult conditions, especially in a marine or snow environment. If further damage to a spinal cord or neck is done while removing a patient from the water, the current protocols adopted on the shore may be too late in some cases. More injuries can be prevented if immobilisation of critical areas of anatomy are enabled earlier and during what can be necessarily rough treatment of a patient during the actual rescue.

[0012] This recue assembly according to the various embodiments are preferably manufactured from materials used to manufacture floatation craft such as but not limited to heavy plastics, carbon fibre composites, other materials and foams to make the rescue board more manoeuvrable, light and stable even though it incorporates a spinal board. The incorporation of a spinal board makes it possible to start immobilising the patients from the time of rescue in the water thus giving the patient the best chance of preventing any or additional spinal damage. Once the patient is on the board the body is laid in alignment allowing a rescuer to cany the patient from the water already secured.

[0013] In the case of a maritime recue, additional buoyancy provided by immersion in water allows a rescuer to gain ready access to and use the spinal board without the full weight of the patient. [0014] Head supports/ chocks can be secured and there is no need to transfer a patient to any other spinal board on land or at an emergency centre, in advance of emergency treatment eliminating further risk or further injury because the patient can be transported straight to hospital on the same board as that used in a rescue. This eliminates constant undesirable movement of the patient, particularly in the event of a spinal injury. In the case of maritime rescue, rescuers can simply unclip the spinal board and use the handles that are on the side of the spinal board so they can get a firm grip easily instead of trying to grip onto wet skin that generally has sunscreen making the skin oily and slippery.

[0015] In its broadest form the present invention comprises: a rescue assembly comprising a floatable rescue board having a leading end and a trailing end,

a recess formed in the rescue board to accommodate therein a spinal board which is releasably retained in said recess, the spinal board including openings to allows restraining straps to co operate therewith for securing a patient to the spinal board.

[0016] According to one embodiment the recess is formed in an upper surface of the rescue board. According to an alternative embodiment the recess is formed inside the rescue device allowing retention of the spinal board via a rear, front or side opening. According to one embodiment the spinal board and rescue board co operate to allow a patient to be secured to the spinal board while the spinal board remains in the recess of the rescue board.

[0017] Preferably the rescue board includes on one or both sides a plurality of gripping handles which allow rescuers and the rescued to grip the rescue board. According to one embodiment the spinal board includes on both sides a plurality of openings which allow rescuers to feed straps or other patient restraints through each opening to secure the patient. According to one embodiment the openings also allow the spinal board to be secured to rescue board when the spinal board is not in use so that the spinal board and rescue board become an integrated assembly. According to a preferred embodiment the spinal board includes various forms of head and neck restraint which can be adjusted to accommodate various patients and patient requirements.

[0018] In another broad form the present invention comprises:

a rescue assembly comprising a rescue board having a body, a leading end and a trailing end,

a spinal board retained by the rescue board and which is moveable between a first state in which the spinal board is retained by and substantially within a periphery of the rescue board and a second state in which the spinal board is releasable from the periphery of the rescue board for use; the spinal board including openings which accommodate restraining straps to co operate therewith for securing a patient to the spinal board.

[0019] According to one embodiment the spinal board when in the first state nests within the periphery of the rescue board in a recess which receives and retains the spinal board. The recess is formed in the body of the rescue board and is accessible via a top surface of the rescue board. The recess is shaped to accommodate the shape of the spinal board. The recess comprises a pocket in the rescue board and is proportioned to allow a top surface of the spinal board to be flush with a top surface of the rescue board when the spinal board locates in the recess of the rescue board.

[0020] The rescue board includes on one or both sides a plurality of gripping handles which allow rescuers and the rescued patient to grip the rescue board. Preferably the spinal board includes on both sides a plurality of openings which allow rescuers to feed straps or other patient restraints through each opening to secure the patient. Alternative anchorages for the straps are contemplated such as the use of straps which are anchored to the spinal board and wrap about the whole board.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the spinal board and rescue board co operate to allow a patient to be secured to the spinal board when the spinal board is in its second state. Alternatively, the spinal board and rescue board co operate to allow a patient to be secured to the spinal board while the spinal board remains in the recess of the rescue board.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the recess is accessible from the trailing end of the rescue board with the recess formed inside the body of the rescue device allowing retention of the spinal board via a rear opening in the rescue board. The openings in the spinal board also allow the spinal board to be secured to rescue board when the spinal board is not in use so that the spinal board and rescue board are integrated.

[0023] Preferably the spinal board includes a head and neck restraint which supports the head and neck of a patient. The head and neck restraint is both detachable and adjustable to accommodate various patients and patient requirements.

[0024] In an alternative embodiment the spinal board is pivotally connected to the rescue board via a side or end edge of the rescue board such that the spinal board moves between the first state in which the spinal board is folded over the top of the rescue board and a second state in which the spinal board is folded out from the rescue board and accommodates a patient. According to one embodiment the rescue board and/or spinal board is/ are inflatable.

[0025] in an alternative embodiment the rescue board and spinal board are manufactured from a heavy duty plastics material. [0026] In another broad from the present invention comprises: a spinal board for use with a rescue board together forming a rescue assembly; the spinal board comprising a rescue board having a body, a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the spinal board is retained by the rescue board and which is moveable between a first state in which the spinal board is retained by and substantially within a periphery of the rescue board and a second state in which the spinal board is releasable from the periphery of the rescue board for use; the spinal board including openings which accommodate restraining straps to co operate therewith for securing a patient to the spinal board.

[0027] The spinal board w^rhen in the first state nests within the periphery of the rescue board and in a recess is fonned in the body of the rescue board. The recess is proportioned to allow a top surface of the spinal board to be flush with a top surface of the rescue board when the spinal board locates in the recess of the rescue board.

[0028] The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and die shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein;

Figure 1 shows a rescue board incorporating a spinal board according to one embodiment;

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the assembly of figure 1 with spinal board isolated from the rescue board.

Figure 3 shows a rescue board incorporating a spinal board according to an alternative embodiment; and

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the assembly of figure 3 with spinal board isolated from the rescue board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description. Although the method and apparatus aspects of the invention will be described with reference to their application to the embodiments described it will be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in alternative rescue boards. [0031] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a recue assembly 1 comprising a floatable rescue board 2 and a spinal board 3 incorporated on rescue board 2. Rescue board 2 has a leading end 4 and trailing end 5. Rescue board 2 has an aquadynamic shape and is designed to float. Intermediate the leading end 4 and trailing end 5 is a recess 6 in upper face 7. Recess 6 is sized to accommodate spinal board 3 which fits within and is releasably retained in recess 6. Board 2 includes on one side gripping handles 8, 9 and 10 and on an opposite side handles 1 1, 12 and 13. These allow rescuers and the rescued to grip and hold onto the rescue board.

[0032] When a patient is to be earned three persons can each grip handles 8, 9 and 10 and another three can grip handles 11, 12 and 13. Rescue board 3 when integrated with spinal board 3 allows rescuers to use board 2 as a patient immobiliser and head restraint at the location of rescue. Where a patient has suffered a suspected spinal injury which could occur when dumped awkwardly by a wave, it is essential that the patient be immobilised as quickly as possible to avoid further injury. A relatively minor spinal injury to a patient could become catastrophic with incorrect patient handing.

[0033] The present invention allows rescuers to have with them at the point of rescue a spinal board. If spinal board 2 is used merely as a buoyant rescue platform, then the spinal board can also act in conjunction with the rescue board 2 as a platform for a rescued swimmer to lie on Since the spinal board 3 is not often required, once a patient's injuries are determined spinal board 3 can be retained as part of the rescue board 2. Incorporated in spinal board 3 are on one side openings 14, 15 and 16 and on the opposite side 17, 18 and 19. These openings allows rescuers to feed restraints ( not shown) through each opening to secure the patient. The openings also allows spinal board 3 to be secured to rescue board 2 so that spinal board 3 and rescue board 2 become an integrated assembly. These also allow rescuers to have a firm grip and use these as handles when detaching/carrying spinal board when required for use as both spinal board and or stretcher. At leading end 20 of spinal board 3 are formations 21 and 22 which can be folded out of the plane of spinal board 3 into head and neck restraints.

[0034] Figure 2 shows with corresponding numbering an exploded view of the assembly 1 of figure 1 with spinal board 3 isolated from the rescue board 2. The rescue board 2 is preferably used in surf rescues and is kept on hand in the event of a back, neck or other injury requiring a spinal board 3 to immobilise and restrain a patient. Currently on most beaches throughout the world a spinal board is keep in a life guard's tower. This makes the spinal board difficult to access in emergencies. Often in the case of spinal injury a patient must await an ambulance for proper immobilisation at which time permanent damage may have already occurred. Ready availability of a spinal board can mean the difference between permanent injury and full recovery. The present invention provides assembly 1 which integrates the a spinal board 3 with a rescue device 2 which is modified to accommodate the spinal board 3. With rescue board 2 sitting at the water's edge this means that the present invention provides a spinal board 3 ready to be used at a moment's notice that is close by at the point of rescue.

[0035] On an occasion that a spinal injury happens on the beach or shore line (out of the water) the spinal board 3 can be quickly detached from the board 2 and used for patient restraint in the usual manner of use of spinal boards. Spinal board 3 when detached can also be used as a stretcher for the purposes of carrying a patient. Thus depending upon the patient condition the rescuer can use the assembly 1 as a spinal bracing platform or as a conventional stretcher where for instance a patient has to be carried up the beach for further treatment. In that case, the rescuer can detach the spinal board and use it as a stretcher. This can provide more comfort to the patient but still allows best paramedical practice. In the case of an unconscious patent with unknown symptoms spinal board 3 can be detached and used as an added precaution just in case rescuers are dealing with a possible spinal injury.

[0036] The present invention therefore reduces unnecessary patient movements when a spinal or back injury are suspected and a patient must be removed from the water to a spinal injury unit. Once a patient is on the spinal board 3 the patient can then be transferred to further transport i.e. ambulance, flying doctor, helicopter or another extraction vehicle buy simply unclipping the spinal board from the rescue board. As shown in figure 2, formations 21 and 22 can be manipulated to form head and neck restraints with straps (not shown on diagrams) to secure the head properly.

[0037] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that although the example described with reference to the illustrations show alternative assemblies which include a rescue board and spinal board, it will be appreciated that the assembly and disassembly technique described can be adapted for alternative rescue boards.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a rescue board assembly 31 incorporating a rescue board 32 and spinal board 33 according to an alternative embodiment. The rescue board 32 is preferably used in surf rescues and is kept on hand in the event of a back, neck or other injury requiring a spinal board 33 to immobilise and restrain a patient. Assembly 1 integrates the a spinal board 33 with a rescue device 32 which is modified to accommodate the spinal board 33 in recess 36. On the occasion that a spinal injury happens on the beach or shore line (out of the water) the spinal board 33 can be quickly extracted from recess 36 and used for patient restraint in the usual manner of use of spinal boards. Spinal board 33 when detached can also be used as a stretcher for the purposes of carrying a patient. Thus depending upon the patient condition the rescuer can use the assembly 31 as a spinal bracing platform or as a conventional stretcher where for instance a patient has to be carried up the beach for further treatment. [0039] Rescue board 32 has an aquadynamic shape and is designed to float. At trailing end 35 is a recess 36 sized to accommodate spinal board 33 which fits within and is releasably retained in recess 36. Board 32 includes on one side gripping handles 38, 39 and 40 and on an opposite side handles 41 , 42 and 43. These allow rescuers and the rescued to grip and the rescue board. When a patient is to be carried three persons can each grip handles 8, 9 and 10 and another three can grip handles 41, 42 and 43. Rescue board 33 when integrated with spinal board 33 allows rescuers to use board 32 as a patient immobiliser and head restraint at the locate of rescue. If spinal board 32 is used merely as a buoyant rescue platform, then the spinal board 33 can also act in conjunction with the rescue board 32 as a platform for a rescued swimmer to lie on. Since the spinal board 33 is not always required, once a patient's injuries are determined spinal board 33 can be retained in recess 36 as part of the rescue board 32. Connected to end 34 is a pulling rope 37 which enables controlled handling of board 32.

[0040] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the assembly of figure 3 with spinal board isolated from the rescue board. Incorporated in spinal board 33 are on one side openings 44, 45 and 46 and on the opposite side 47, 48 and 49. These openings allows rescuers to feed restraints ( not shown) through each opening to secure the patient. The openings also allows spinal board 33 to be secured to rescue board 32 so that spinal board 33 and rescue board 32 become an integrated assembly. At leading end 50 of spinal board 33 are formations 51 and 52 which can be folded out of the plane of spinal board 33 into head and neck restraints. Spinal board 33 can also be extended out when required for situations including mass or multi-person rescues as it double the size of the flotation space allowing more people to be rescued at one time.

[0041] The present invention as described herein retains the advantages of a conventional rescue board but improves patient safety, allows earlier treatment and sec urity of the patient from further damage due to the integration of a spinal board which is readily available as required. This board is faster, safer and aids in every aspect of surf rescue and treatment of spinal injuries. The spinal board may be fitted with ratchet style straps to secure the legs, mid-section and shoulders of a patient. This along with the head supports ( 21, 22, 51 and 52) allows the patient to be fully restrained from movement relative to the board also eliminating head and neck movement. With the spinal board integrated with the rescue device, facilities to treat spinal injury are made readily available.

[0042] In the case of a death a rescuer can strap a body to the board, instead of a rescuer putting their own life in un-necessary danger (such as sharks being attracted by the scent of the deceased body) by being on the board trying to hold the deceased on the board and stable. Sometimes this can last for long periods of time whilst rescuers wait for water police or helicopter to recover the body as beaches are normally crowed, this is done to minimise public distress.

[0043] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the description of embodiments herein.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A rescue assembly comprising a rescue board having a body, a leading end and a trailing end,

2. A rescue assembly according to claim 1 wherein the spinal board when in the first state nests within the periphery of the rescue board.

3. A rescue assembly according to claim 2 further comprising in the rescue board a recess which receives and retains the spinal board.

4. A rescue assembly according to claim 3 wherein the recess is formed in the body of the rescue board.

5. A rescue assembly according to claim 4 wherein the recess is accessible via a top surface of the rescue board.

6. A rescue assembly according to claim 5 wherein the recess is shaped to accommodate the shape of the spinal board.

7. A rescue assembly according to claim 6 wherein the recess comprises a pocket in the rescue board.

8. A rescue assembly according to claim 7 wherein the recess is proportioned to allow a top surface of the spinal board to be flush with a top surface of the rescue board when the spinal board locates in the recess of the rescue board.

9. A rescue assembly according to claim 8 wherein the rescue board includes on one or both sides a plurality of gripping handles which allow rescuers and the rescued patient to grip the rescue board.

10 A rescue assembly according to claim 9 wherein the spinal board includes on both sides a plurality of openings which allow rescuers to feed straps or other patient restraints through each opening to secure the patient.

1 1. A rescue assembly according to claim 10 wherein the spinal board and rescue board co operate to allow a patient to be secured to the spinal board when the spinal board is in its second state.

12. A rescue assembly according to claim 7 wherein the recess is accessible from die trailing end of the rescue board.

13. a rescue assembly according to claim 9 wherein the recess is formed insi de the body of the rescue device allowing retention of the spinal board via a rear opening in the rescue board.

14. A rescue assembly according to claim 10 wherein the spinal board and rescue board co operate to allow a patient to be secured to the spinal board while the spinal board remains in the recess of the rescue board.

15. A rescue assembly according to claim 1 1 wherein the openings also allow the spinal board to be secured to rescue board when the spinal board is not in use so that the spinal board and rescue board are integrated.

16. A rescue assembly according to claim 15 wherein the spinal board includes a head and neck restraint which supports the head and neck of a patient.

17. A rescue assembly according to claim 16 wherein the head and neck restraint is adjustable to accommodate various patients and patient requirements.

18. A rescue assembly according to claim 17 wherein the head and neck supports are detachable.

19. A rescue assembly according to claim 1 wherein the spinal board is pivotally connected to the rescue board.

20. A rescue assembly according to claim 19 wherein the spinal board is pivotally connected to an edge of the rescue board.

21. A rescue assembly according to claim 20 wherein the spinal board is pivotally connected to a side or end edge of the rescue board such that the spinal board moves between the first state in which the spinal board is folded over the top of the rescue board and a second state in which the spinal board is folded out from the rescue board.

22. A rescue assembly according to claim 1 1 wherein the rescue board is inflatable.

23. A rescue assembly according to claim 22 wherein the rescue board and spinal board are inflatable.

24 A rescue assembly according to claim 1 1 wherein the rescue board and spinal board are manufactured from a heavy duty plastics material.

25. A rescue assembly according to claim 1 1 wherein the spinal board comprises a body having first and second ends and disposed in the body a plurality of side recesses which receive patient restraint straps.

26. A spinal board for use with a rescue board together forming a rescue assembly; the spinal board comprising a rescue board having a body, a leading end and a trailing end,

wherein the spinal board is retained by the rescue board and which is moveable between a first state in which the spinal board is retained by and substantially within a periphery of the rescue board and a second state in which the spinal board is releasable from the periphery of the rescue board for use; the spinal board including openings which accommodate restraining straps to co operate therewith for securing a patient to the spinal board.

27. A rescue assembly according to claim 26 wherein the spinal board when in the first state nests within the periphery of the rescue board.

28. A rescue assembly according to claim 27 further comprising in the rescue board a recess which receives and retains the spinal board.

29. A rescue assembly according to claim 28 wherein the recess is formed in the body of the rescue board.

30. A rescue assembly according to claim 29 wherein the recess is proportioned to allow a top surface of the spinal board to be flush with a top surface of the rescue board when the spinal board locates in the recess of the rescue board.