Durango Safety and Rescue Equipment, LLC is the designer and exclusive manufacturer of the EvacKart™ line of rescue transport carts. This revolutionary new product has been specially designed and engineered with a combination of strength and balance that will forever change the way you think about patient transport. Our unique design utilizes a reinforced plastic body cavity to support the back, and an adjustable framework of high strength aluminum tubing to support the legs. The patient (or evacuee) sits in a semi-reclining or “lounge-chair” position, generally found to be significantly more comfortable than a fully supine position. EvacKart™ is the perfect complement to your traditional transport equipment because it is specifically intended for low acuity situations where a more efficient use of manpower is desired.
A Better Choice for Safety & Rescue
The Russ Anderson wheel and Stokes litter (and other one-wheeled carriers) have been the mainstay for rescue transport for more than 20 years. But most folks would agree that they are cumbersome, awkward, and labor intensive. Much of the time, the victims don’t need fixed supine positioning, but the Stokes litter or a backboard is your only option..…..until now. Durango Safety and Rescue Equipment has designed the EvacKart™, not to replace the “Wheel” but to serve as a valuable alternative for patient transport, specifically when the evacuee is exhibiting only minor or low-acuity injuries.
A recent poll of search and rescue agencies and rural fire departments finds that in most areas of the country 60-70% of extrications performed are for patients that have only low-acuity injuries. Predominantly dehydration, hypothermia, or exhaustion accompanied by minor upper or lower body injuries. And in these low-acuity situations, given the choice between a team of 6-8 personnel with a “Wheel” or a 2-4 person team with an EvacKart™, the EvacKart™ is the logical choice. All EvacKarts™ come with puncture-proof dual wheels and a low center of gravity for superior stability and maneuverability, even off-camber and over the roughest of terrains.
How It Works
The front and rear handle assemblies have multipoint locking arms and easily adjust to the height of rescue team members. The rear handle assembly also adjusts for patient knee bend positioning. Tubing is made of high strength aluminum and handles are ergonomically positioned. All EvacKarts™ include a “kickstand” for easy rest stops. The EvacKart™ can be pulled in either direction depending on terrain, slope, and patient comfort, but for the most efficient use of manpower, pulling the patient headfirst (facing backwards) is best. When not in use, the front handles fold in under the cavity and the rear handles fold forward over the cavity for compact storage.
The EvacKart™ plastic cavity is padded with a closed cell foam mat and the suspension platform is equipped with shock absorbing “die springs” giving the unit a full 1½” of wheel travel for the added comfort of all your injured patients. Evacuees with most common types of collarbone, shoulder, or elbow injuries will be very appreciative of the (medically preferred) semi-reclining position.
EvacKart™ Product Options
The EvacKart™ comes in several models and weight-bearing capacities to accommodate all kinds of terrain and trail conditions. Models currently available range in weight from 42 lbs to 55 lbs and have weight-bearing capacities ranging from 300 lbs to 450 lbs. Many are available with Hayes® dual disc brakes.
Other currently available optional equipment includes:
- Side rail system for chest restraint with 1” or 1.5” wide web straps
- Utility bag
- Added “D-rings” for tie-downs
- Tag line handles
- Axle extension package consisting of 2 quick-release axle “caps”, two axle extensions with hitch pins, and a utility bag that attaches to the front of the cart to carry it all. This option allows you to quickly transition the “NG” from a 14.0” to 25.0” wheelbase without disrupting your patient. So when the trail widens and conditions permit, you remove the quick-release axle “cap”, slide the wheel off, add the axle extension and pin it in place, and slide the wheel back on and add the axle “cap”. Repeat this operation on the opposite side and you are ready to go again.
Though the EvacKart™ is designed for low-acuity injuries sometimes circumstances force you to improvise. If your patient needs stabilization on a backboard or in a Stokes litter you can still use your EvacKart™. Download the instructions on how to strap a backboard or litter to the EvacKart™.
**Warning – in this configuration the center of gravity is much higher and every precaution must be taken to insure your patient is safe and secure.**
New features currently in development include:
- Adding a brake option to the “NG” model
- Hitch option for an ATV
- Snowblade option to replace wheels for winter use
- “Stair-aid” option for stadium use
Select the model most appropriate for you and customize it from our growing list of optional equipment and accessories. You can have an EvacKart™ specifically modified to meet your unique needs and situations.
