Rescue Equipment - Becker Sling
New Option: We are
now in a position where we can add "Delrin Inserts" into the aluminum spread
bar. The initial intent was to add more of a slippery type surface so
that the shackle pins could be more easily removed. However, what was
found is that they also act as a guide, making insertion easier in a field
environment.
This option is currently being offered with an addition
price of $78. The delrin cost is about $48, and it requires additional
machine time on a lathe. Please let us know if this feature is desired
when placing your order. As this is still new, we will be gathering
field reports on its effectiveness and if this turns into one of those "must
have" options, it will be added to the regular ordering process 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
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
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.)
This Page:
as of 25 October 2004
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