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21 April 2007

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Rescue Equipment - Becker Sling


FLASH:  August 2009

The fees for shipping the large container with the sling package have recently increased considerably.  USP had been adding shipping surcharges due to the size, increasing those costs to about $150.  In addition, we have started putting the units on small pallets so that they arrive without damage, a problem we had with a different ground carrier.  Because of these changes, we are now shipping the "Out the Door Special", and any other large/heavy combination, with Estes Express, an LTL truck carrier.  They have provided good service, but the fees for shipping have increased.  See more information below.


It is with great excitement that Häst now offers the "Häst Water Rescue Harness".  This surcingle is designed to be fitted to a horse or other animal much like a driving harness, only this is made of waterproof nylon and has closed cell floatation pads on top.  And like the slings below, there are numerous "D" rings placed all around the harness for attachment of tag and lift lines.  As soon as pictures become available of its actual use in the field, they will be posted on this page.  The price of this harness is $465 plus shipping.  Rehabilitation facilities that utilize either swimming pools or water treadmills may be particularly interested in this product, which would be placed on the horse prior to entering the water, and which could provide a rapid rescue in the event of an accident.

                

(Stick inserted between pads to hold harness apart for photograph.)

For more information, you may e-mail us at:  Häst, PSC


Häst is proud to offer the Large Animal Simple Vertical Lift, as taught by Drs Tomas and Rebecca Gimenez of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Incorporated, as either a total kit or individual replacement parts, with the exception of the crane!  (If you need a crane, check the link at the bottom of this page!)  The major components of the kit include:  The Support System, The Slings, and Optional Accessories.  It is being sold this way because some departments may choose to mix and match what equipment they need.  Of course, we can certainly supply all of the parts needed below the hook of the crane to accomplish a successful lift as shown immediately below.

       
(Notes:  Temporary Support Strap not shown on left.  Photo on right courtesy of the town of Milton, Georgia at their Roundup.)

The Support System

Support System.JPG (70034 bytes)

Master Oval Link  (Part SSMO)  -  $46
Prusik Loops  (Part SSPL)  -  $16 each
Upper Shackles  (Part SSUS)  -  $24 each
Aluminum Spread Bar  (Part SSSB)  -  $94
Lower Shackles with Release System  (Part SSLS)  -  $36 each


Total Support System  (Part SSTK)  -  $276

The support system is designed to accept the large loops of the slings and is relatively easy to assemble in a couple of configurations depending upon the size of the animal being lifted.  Close examination of the photograph above shows the use of quick release safety pins on the lower shackles.  The orange webbing allows for the rescuers to quickly pull the pins, thus releasing the animal once it is on the ground.  It cannot be accidentally released if the animal is still in the air.

The Support System underwent load testing in Elkhart Indiana on 16 November 2004.  Four tests were required as the bolts on the testing machine were failing at loads of 13,000 - 15,000 pounds.  Finally, very large bolts were used and the support system was loaded to its maximum strength.  As predicted, the shackles, oval, and prusiks did not fail.  The ultimate load on the aluminum spread bar was 21,600 pounds at failure.  However, long before the bar failed, it was easily seen that the bar was bending indicating the high load.  We feel that this is a good visual safety feature.  The aluminum bar should easily handle large animals up to 2,000 pounds, giving the system a very high safety factor.

 

The Slings and Pads

The BeckerSlings.JPG (76821 bytes)

Body Sling  (Part SLBD)  -  $270 each
Chest Sling (36 inches, small, Part SLCH36)  -  $124
Chest Sling (42 inches, regular, Part SLCH42)  -  $140
Chest Sling (48 inches, large, Part SLCH48)  -  $156

Chest Sling (54 inches, XL, Part SLCH54)  -  $172

Sling "Set" (2 body slings and a regular chest sling, Part SLTK)  -  $656

The pads are made of a rugged marine grade vinyl filled with 2 inches of high density foam.  The ends have Velcro closures so that the foam can be removed if necessary.  (Note:  These pads are nice and thick and very comfortable.  However, there may be instances where they need to be removed for a particular rescue.  These instances might include being stuck in heavy mud where there is simply not be enough room to pass the webbing with the pads underneath the horse.  In these cases, the pads just slip over the webbings so that they can be easily removed.  And while this would be less comfortable for the horse, it may be the only way to complete the rescue.)

Body Pad  (Part PDBD)  -  $66 each
Chest Pad  -  $30 any size (Specify size: small (PDCH36), regular (PDCH42), large (PDCH48), or XL (PDCH54))
Set of Three Pads  (Part PDTK)  -  $148  (Two body and one chest)

Set of all Three Slings (regular size chest) complete with Custom Pads (Part SLTKPD)  -  $796


Optional Accessories

These parts are listed under this category because, although you will need them, you may simply want to buy them direct from other sources.   Frankly, after we purchase them at the same price you can, pay for shipping, then mark them up a couple of dollars for handling, we simply cannot compete on price.   However, if it makes your life simpler, we are more than happy to get these things for you all in one box.

Store your new sling in this perfect sized rugged container.  Holds everything you will need including the spread bar, shackles, padding, and slings.  Lockable.  (Part  OACN)  -  $148

Large Steel Carabiners,  You will need two to attach the chest sling to the body sling  (Part OACB)  -  $88 (both)
     (Optional Source: 
www.cmcrescue.com)

Temporary Support,  Use this to hold up the front sling while the chest sling is attached  (Part OATS)  -  $16
     (Optional Source:  Your Hardware Store.   These parts do not carry load and therefore do not need to be "rated")

 

Price Summary:

Support System  -  $276
Slings with Pads  -  $796  (Chest size - Regular)
Heavy Duty Container  -  $148
Large Steel Carabiners -  $88
Temporary Support  -  $16

Add Packing and Shipping on partial orders  ($20-60)

 

 

Special  "Out the Door"  Price when you order Entire System

If you should decide to order the entire system listed above (one regular sized chest sling with pad), which will include shipping (standard ground), the cost will be $1486.  This represents a savings between $90-130 verses buying parts separately and adding shipping.  (If priority service is requested, the difference between standard ground and priority will be added to the total.)

(Shipping costs have increased.  UPS has been adding post shipping surcharges due to the large size.  We are now shipping with Estes Express, a trucking company, because of the large size and weight, and the fact that we are now putting the containers on small pallets. Recent charges for shipping to Missouri are around $160, and a shipment to Canada was $377.  )


Ratings

When constructing this, or any type of system where load will be applied, it is vital to consider the ratings of all of the components of the system.  In addition, an extra safety factor is added so that there should never be system failure.  In human rescues, the safety factor is 15:1, meaning a 600 pound load should have a system rated to 9,000 pounds.  While this level of safety is great to consider, using these factors in animal lifting is often impractical due to the weight and expense of equipment, so often a reasonable compromise is in order.  All of the components of the system have the ratings listed below.  We were considering offering a steel spread bar, but the tests on the aluminum bar went so well that we have decided to only offer aluminum due to the light weight and ease of machining and finishing.

Master Oval Link  -  Maximum Load 15,200 pounds
Prusik Loops  (Using the doubled configuration shown)  -  18,000 pounds breaking each loop
Shackles  -  Maximum Working Load  10,000 pounds each
Aluminum Spread Bar  -  21,600 pounds breaking  (total load equally divided on both ends)
Body Slings  -  Nominal 20,000 pounds maximum load

Definitions:  "Working load" or "Maximum Load" is that load which a part can typically sustain safely on a daily basis (with periodic inspections for damage).  "Breaking Strength" is that load which will cause immediate failure.  A part should NEVER have a load which even approaches the breaking strength!

 

Shipping

Prices shown do not include shipping from Virginia to your facility.  These charges will be added to your credit card after the items have been shipped.  (Unless the entire system is purchased.  In those cases the shipping costs have been included in the overall price.)  Typical charges will be $10-20 plus the actual fees from United Parcel Service for smaller shipments.  Purchase of the entire system will be shipped by Estes Express Trucking, an LTL carrier.   Although some parts can be shipped the next day, others parts (slings) should have an allowance of about 3 weeks from your order to arrival at your door.

 

Placing Your Order

By far the BEST method to place an order is to fax it to 540-745-4036.  Please include your name, shipping address, telephone number, the part numbers of the items you want, and your credit card number with expiration date.  We accept Master Card, Visa, and American Express.  If you need alternate arrangements, or have any questions at all, the best way is to fax your inquiry or send an e-mail to Häst, PSC.  You may also call us at 540-267-6721, however, cellular telephone service in the mountains of Virginia has proven unreliable.  Please leave a message if we don't answer right away!    (Note:  Prices subject to change with little notice.)
 

Cranes

While cranes from a number of different manufactures can certainly work, might we suggest checking Hiab.  They have offices all over the world, including the United States, and have an interest in Fire and Rescue applications.

    Click on the picture to the left for a link to Hiab.  Then specify your country for local offices.

 

(Please Note:  This page and information will continue to be updated.  We feel that Large Animal Rescue is an evolving science.  There are plans to produce a DVD showing the proper use of this sling. Feedback is welcome. All suggestions will be considered.)

 

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