ResQsheet

The ResQsheet is for emergency evacuation of non-ambulant patients and kept in position under the mattress with strong elastic corner straps, and is large enough to fit a King size bed. Daily bed making is as normal.

Overview

• Pulling Straps sewn half way down the length to allow for more rescuers
• Cross Straps sewn all the way across the material for extra strength
• Built in plastic slide board – excellent for sliding on all surfaces
• Plastic buckles – safer than metal buckles/will not damage a washing machine
• Miracle Grip on the sides to help prevent the mattress slipping on bed frame
• Press studs & pockets to safely contain the straps

If there is an emergency, then the webbing straps are removed from their pockets and quickly done up around the mattress and the Patient. The head and foot end pulling straps are also taken out from under the mattress. The mattress and the Patient are then lowered onto the floor for very fast and safe evacuation. This saves the staff from having to carry them. The Patient is protected by their mattress and they can be easily taken down stairs to safety.

After an emergency evacuation, the Patient can be left still cocooned in the ResQsheet which may be helpful with patients who are liable to wander. The Cross Straps are sewn across the full width of the ResQsheet to provide extra security in case the strong nylon material should tear on a rough surface, i.e. driveways, roads, etc.

There are many names by which this type of item is known. Some include: Evacuation Sheets, Fire Sheets, Fire Rescue Sheets, Fire Evacuation Sheets, Fire Blankets, or Ski Sheets.

Special Features

With any make of evacuation sheet, the Pulling Straps and Cross Straps can fall out from under the mattress. If this happens, the buckles can be damaged by the side rails, or when the bed is raised or lowered. Also the Pulling Straps can be tangled on a fitting at the end of the bed. It is always best to avoid the straps becoming tangled on the bed, as this could delay a fast evacuation. To help keep the straps in place, Pelican have included Press Studs (Patent applied for) and pockets that keep all of the straps secured to the ResQsheet.

A trend with hospital beds is to no longer have small metal bars to hold a mattress in position. Two pieces of Miracle Grip rubber material are sewn to each side (Patent applied for), on the top and bottom to help prevent the mattress from moving when the Patient gets in and out of bed. When the Cross Straps are done up, then the Miracle Grip is lifted off the floor, so it does not impede pulling.

If you find that using this product contributes to the mattress sliding on the bed frame and need extra support, we suggest using our Anti Slide Mattress Sticks or Anti Slide Mattress Pad (both sold separately).

The ResQsheet is made from a strong white nylon material which is easy to see in the dark when taken outside if an evacuation takes place at night. The white colour shows dirt marks better, so you will know when it needs washing.

To Install

The ResQsheet is positioned under the mattress with the four elastic straps over each corner of the mattress to help keep the ResQsheet in position when bed making. The Cross Straps should be folded and secured into the pockets provided, ready for easy access in an emergency evacuation. Also secure the Head and Foot Straps using the Press Studs.

To Use

Pull the Cross Straps out of the pockets and join the buckle with the strap from the opposite pocket over the Patient and bed clothes. A pillow may be placed under the Cross Straps on the Patient’s chest, and another across their legs, to help further protect them.

Pull the Cross Straps tight to cocoon the Patient, complete with sheets and blankets still on the mattress. Take out the Head and Foot Pulling Straps from under the mattress. Lower the bed as far as possible. Then use the Straps to lower the Patient and mattress off the bed and slide along the floor by using the long Pulling Straps at either end. ResQSheet Extension Straps (sold separately) are available which can fit to any of the Pelican ResQ products to allow for more people to pull.

Testing

The materials used to make the ResQsheets are the same as we use for our Lifting Slings. When doing NATA Testing, the Slings lifted 1,000kg / 2200lbs without failing.

When carrying out ‘In House’ testing, the ResQsheets were pulled at a fast walking speed on carpet and vinyl, with a load of 104kg / 229lbs. The test results can vary on different grades of carpet depending on the pile and underlay. With vinyl flooring, the type of vinyl and any polishes or cleaning materials used may also affect the pulling force. Therefore these results are just an indication of the reduction. The Initial Force was when the ResQsheets were on the floor. After taking the mattress off the bed, and starting to slide straight away, the initial force should be less. The table below shows the forces in relation to the ResQsheet, and the ResQsheet for Vinyl & Carpet. If there are long corridors of carpet, we recommend the ResQsheet for Vinyl & Carpet.

Plan Escape Routes for Fire Evacuation

Do not have furniture that may impede pulling the mattress and Patient down a corridor. Make sure that there is enough space to leave the room and to turn in the corridor in an emergency evacuation.

The full range of ResQproduct options are listed below.

	ResQsheet	Stored under the Patient’s mattress on the bed and is ready to use, with the Patient then evacuated with their mattress. Slides well on most vinyl floors.
	ResQsheet for Vinyl & Carpet	Same as the ResQsheet above, but with a built-in white plastic slide board underneath. Slides well on all floor surfaces including Vinyl & Carpet.
	ResQsheet for Vinyl & Carpet – King Single	A special version of our ResQsheet for Vinyl & Carpet, made to fit king single size beds, and can also be used with pressure care air-flow mattresses.
	ResQme	This is kept in storage and taken to a Patient who needs to be evacuated. A budget option evacuation device.
	ResQpod	Same as the ResQme above, but with more Cross Straps to contain the Patient.
	ResQmat	Same as the ResQme and ResQpod above, but with a built-in mini-mattress for comfort, and the side material can enclose the Patient.
	ResQslide Board & Chair Strap Kit	The ResQslide Board & Chair Strap Kit is used to slide someone from a wheelchair to an evacuation device on the floor, such as the ResQmat, ResQpod or ResQme which can slide down stairs.