The assembled Larkin Rescue Frame can be moved into position at the edge of the drop when a suitable anchor for the back guy has been identified.
With the Larkin Rescue Frame oriented with the front compression legs towards the drop and the rear compression legs parallel to the ground pick up the Larkin Rescue Frame and move it carefully towards the edge of the drop. Place the Larkin Rescue Frame on the ground with the hinge pipe at right angles to the line of the back guy and preferably with the hinge pipe parallel to the edge of the drop.
WARNING: The line of the back guy must be at right angles to the hinge pipe or the Larkin Rescue Frame may tip sideways, however, it is more likely to rotate to correct the alignment.
If the ground is hard, two small holes should be made to locate the hinge spikes at the operating position. This will minimise rotation of the frame about the base. If the base plates are being used they should be attached to the hinge channel with the large spring clips provided. The triangular (star picket) holes should be to the outside of the hinge.
If the Larkin Rescue Frame is to be rested on the surface, rather than located in spike holes or secured with star pickets, the hinge channel will need to be secured near the edge of the drop. A reasonable solid attachment point or counterbalance weight can be used. Only the side where the hinge redirection pulley is attached will need securing.
NOTE: The tendency of the Larkin Rescue Frame to rotate can be minimised by centring the redirection pulley on the hinge by using both hinge fitting attachment points. However, the ability to land a stretcher within the Larkin Rescue Frame is diminished.
1. Secure one end of the back guy line to the chosen anchor, which should be at least 3 metres behind the line of the hinge.
The line passes from the anchor, through the pulley block and back to the anchor.
2. With one person attending the back guy line and one person attending the Larkin Rescue Frame tilt the Larkin Rescue Frame forward (over the drop) until the front compression legs are at an angle of 30-35 degrees above horizontal.
3. Secure the back guy line so that the Larkin Rescue Frame can be easily tilted to this preset angle under load.
WARNING: The secure attachment of the back guy to both the Larkin Rescue Frame and to a Òbomb proofÓ anchor is essential for the safe usage of the Larkin Rescue Frame.
4. Tilt the Larkin Rescue Frame back so that the rear compression legs are on the ground.
At this stage the front end of the load line should be attached to a hinge fitting, pass from there through the front pulley and back down to the hinge redirection pulley. The load lowering/lifting system can now be connected to it.
NOTE: A lot of time can be saved if a knot is tied in the load line before it passes through the front pulley block to prevent the end of the line ending up out of reach. If a suitable knot, such as an alpine butterfly, is used the stretcher can be attached at that knot and the outrider can travel on the remaining tail.
The load, presumably a stretcher (with or without patient) can be connected to the load line. The load should then be lifted to a height which just permits it to pass between the front compression legs. The outrider can attach at this time.
The load lowering/lifting system should be locked off securely.
Using the 2:1 mechanical advantage provided by the back guy, control the outward tilt of the Larkin Rescue Frame . The tilting is initiated by one person lifting the rear of the Larkin Rescue Frame and continued until the Larkin Rescue Frame is at the preset angle with both sides of the back guy in tension.
WARNING: All outward tilting should be undertaken slowly and in a controlled manner to prevent shock loading the system.
The load can then be lowered.
WARNING: Every attempt should be made to ensure that the descent takes place at right angles to the hinge pipe to prevent tipping. If an out of line descent is planned the Larkin Rescue Frame should be guyed from the large hole in the tension end fitting to compensate.
WARNING: Great care is needed for any out of line descent.
1. The Larkin Rescue Frame should tilted outward to the preset angle of 30-35 degrees (see above).
The load line passes as described above but the front end goes to the bottom of the drop rather than being attached to a hinge fitting.
2. The lifting system is attached to the load line and the load lifted in line (see above) until the attachment point for the load approaches the front pulley block (the exact distance will depend on the size and shape of the load and should be established in practice).
3. The lifting system should then be securely locked off.
WARNING: If the load attachment point is allowed to hit the front pulley block and lifting is permitted to continue, the geometry of the system changes DRASTICALLY and the Larkin Rescue Frame will take a STEP away from the edge of the drop. This is not dangerous but is VERY disconcerting for all involved.
4. The Larkin Rescue Frame is tilted inwards using the 2:1 mechanical advantage of the back guy to assist a person who tilts the rear compression legs away from the drop until the point of balance is reached. Beyond the point of balance the person tilting the rear compression legs will need to support them and lower them slowly until they rest on the ground.
NOTE: The tilting of the Larkin Rescue Frame as described in the previous paragraph will result in the load being swung over the hinge.
5. Once the back guy is secured the load may be lowered.
Back to Larkin Rescue Frame
Copyright 1997 Rescue Equipment
P.O. Box 230 MILSONS POINT NSW 2061 Australia
Ph: (02) 9966 9070 Fax (02) 9966 9071
email: info@rescue-equip.com.au