The ResQmat is a heavy duty evacuation mat that can be stored in a cupboard or with other emergency equipment. It can be taken to a patient if an emergency evacuation is needed, particularly in a multi-storey building when lifts cannot be used in case of a fire.

Features

• Completely Encloses the legs and arms. This prevents people from reaching out whilst begin rescued, and possible impeding the rescue.
• Strong, thick Hook & Loop Tape straps.
• Padded head pillow. Especially good for going down stairs.
• Full length mini mattress. Also excellent for going down stairs.
• Automatically fits to size.

Specifications

Maximum Safe Working Load (SWL)(Lifting using all straps)  : 330kg (660lbs)

Height: Fits people 136cm to 192cm (54" to 76")

Width: Fits people to a maximum of 160cm (63")

To Use

Take the ResQmat to the patient. Remove the strap that is around the ResQmat and un-fold the ResQmat.

When putting the patient on top of the ResQmat, place their head on the pillow with their shoulders close to the edge of the pillow. The oversize pillow is to protect the patient’s head when going around corners.

The methods outlined below are only some suggested ways of getting the patient onto the ResQmat. Your manual handling advisor may have a better suggestion for this task.

If the patient is in bed

Log roll the patient to place the ResQmat under them. It is better to place the side of the ResQmat with the soft Hook and Loop Tape under the patient. If the side with the Red Shortening Strap is tucked in first under the patient the Red Shortening Strap may catch underneath the patient.

If the patient is in a chair

Place the ResQmat on the floor in front of the chair with the pillow near the patient’s feet. If they are in a wheelchair, apply the brakes, remove the foot plates or swing them out of the way. Lift the patient’s legs to pull them, so they slide down into the ResQmat. This is easier if a second Carer can hold the patient under the arms to help them slide, remember this is only used for an emergency evacuation. It also may be possible to stand the patient and have the ResQmat near the chair to lay the patient onto the ResQmat. There may not be enough Carers, so always ask your Manual Handling Advisor to learn a safe method for patients and Carers.

When the patient is on the ResQmat

Firmly wrap the sides of the ResQmat over the patient and secure the Hook & Loop Tape onto the opposite side. Start nearest the feet. Make sure the RED Shortening Strap is clear of the patient’s feet.

The patient’s feet should be inside the V section of the Red Strap. After the four Hook & Loop Tape fastenings are firmly done up, pull the Red Strap from the foot of the sheet through the buckle near the chest, so the length of the ResQmat is made shorter as it pulls into the patient’s feet. Use one hand to push the Red Strap into the buckle and the other hand to pull the Strap away from the buckle. Then close the clamp latch to secure the strap. Even if the webbing is not neatly in the buckle and some webbing is over the edge, the buckle should still close and lock the webbing. By shortening the length of the ResQmat it helps secure the patient when they are taken down stairs feet first.

There is a second pulling strap located under the pillow and this can be used to help lower someone from a bed or if it is necessary, to pull from the head end of the ResQmat. This strap can be used to help the descent if going down stairs; on stair landings; turning around corners etc. In most evacuations this pulling strap will be kept out of the way, by storing it under the pillow. As there is less strain to pull from the foot end, only use the head pulling strap if necessary.

The patient should be pulled clear of the building to a designated muster area approved by your facility.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The ResQmat is slippery. Do not step into or stand on it. Keep it away from children. Have regular training from a Manual Handling Advisor on how to use the ResQmat as part of the emergency evacuation education. After training, with someone already on the floor, it should take about 1 minute 25 seconds to start pulling them to safety. Note for Trainers: This product may not be suitable for use on some circular staircases. Ensure all doorways are wide enough to allow this product to pass through. Allow caution when turning corners fast as a high lateral force may make the product roll over, although we are not aware of this ever happening. If evacuating a large bariatric person, it may be necessary to have more than one person pulling. It is good to have the total weight of the people pulling, near to or equal to the weight of the evacuee. Also using the ResQsheet Extension Straps will lengthen the Pulling Straps so more people can hold the straps without being too close to each other. Remember more Rescuers will be needed to hold the weight back when descending stairs.