Rescue Mat Users Guide

Prepared by: Rick CoxNational Sales Manager

Rescue Mat by First Alertrick.cox@rescuemat.com

Cell: 224.260.7559

Designed for the First Responder

Overview of the Rescue MatConcept:

•The Rescue Mat is a tool for water, ice, or swamp rescue

•The Rescue Mat is easy to use: no special training needed

•The Rescue Mat can be deployed by a single person toquickly save multiple victims at a time•The Rescue Mat reduces the response time to reach a person in the water •The Rescue Mat reduces risks to the first responder

When every minute counts, the Rescue Mat will save lives

One Person Deployment

1. Remove From Vehicle or Container

2. Open / remove storage wrap

3. Open / remove closing strap

One Person Deployment and UseDeployment:

• Remove Rescue Mat from vehicle or storage box• Remove overwrap by separating the Velcro strip• Remove the holding strap by separating the Velcro strip• Unroll the Rescue Mat• Place the curled ends down for use in water, or up for use

in ice or swamp conditions• Push the Rescue Mat toward the victim(s) while

maintaining a grip on the nearest set of strapsRescue Methodology:

• Victim can grasp the far end straps while the rescuer pulls them and the Rescue Mat to shore

• Victim can climb (or be pulled) onto the Rescue Mat and then be towed to shore by land-based first responder

One Person DeploymentUnroll the Rescue Mat and push it into the water or onto the ice

Once unrolled, flip Rescue Mat based upon situation

• Curled end down in water to keep the Rescue Mat from rolling up

• Curled end up on ice to make it easier to slide across it

Maneuver the mat towards the victim while holding the near end of the mat on the shore

Two Person DeploymentRemove From Vehicle or Container1. Open / remove storage wrap and

remove strap2. Lay mat onto the water or ice3. Push the mat toward the victim

Primary Rescuer crawls onto Rescue MatSecondary Rescuer holds ropes or straps from shore

Two Person Deployment and UseDeployment:

• Remove Rescue Mat from vehicle or storage box• Remove overwrap by separating the Velcro strip• Remove the holding strap by separating the Velcro strip• Unroll the Rescue Mat, flipping it for rescue situation• Place the curled ends down for use in water • Place the curled end up for use in ice or swamp conditions• Push the Rescue Mat toward the victim(s). • Primary rescuer crawls onto mat while secondary rescuer secures safety ropes

Maneuver Methodology:• Primary rescuer maneuvers mat by paddling toward the victim• Secondary rescuer holds safety ropes/straps, ensuring they don’t get tangled or

pulled awayRescue Methodology:

• Primary rescuer maneuvers mat to victim and then holds onto victim or pulls them onto the mat

• Secondary rescuer holds safety ropes/straps while mat is maneuvered to victim, then pulls mat and people to shore

Two Person Rescue Methodology

Primary rescuer maneuvers Rescue Mat toward the victim

Victim can hold onto the straps, or rescuer can hold the victim or pull victim onto the Rescue Mat

Secondary rescuer pulls Rescue Mat, primary rescuer, and victim to safety

Use of the Rescue Mat in a CurrentPrimary rescuer maneuvers mat toward the victim

Second rescuer holds the “guide rope” upstream to counter the effects of the current

Third rescuer holds end of the Rescue Mat, or the “safety rope”, securing the mat to shore during the rescue

Rescue proceeds as depicted in previous examples

Using the Rescue Mat in a CurrentRescue Considerations:

• Moving water can force the Rescue Mat away from your victim• This current can typically be overcome using a rope attached to

the far end of the Rescue Mat, with a rescuer holding it up-stream and negating the current

• The up-stream rescuer can use this “guide rope” to help maneuver the Rescue Mat to the victim, which also provides additional safety to any rescuer on the mat

Safety Considerations:• Moving water will require at least 2 rescuers, 3 if one will go out

on the Rescue Mat• A 4th rescuer will be required if an additional safety line is used

for the rescuer out on the mat

Use of the Rescue Mat as a ferryRopes are attached on each end of the Rescue Mat

Rescuer secures near rope while far rope is thrown or carried across to the victims

Ropes are pulled or released to move the Rescue Mat back and forth while recovering the victims, continuing until all the victims have been recovered

Plan for 6 adult males, or the equivalent, per trip with the Rescue Mat. Obviously, the number of persons who could be carried per trip will depend on their total weight

Using the Rescue Mat as a ferryRescue Considerations:

• You may encounter a situation with a large number of people threatened by drowning

• The Rescue Mat is tested to support 1200+ pounds, the equivalent of 6 adult males, however more people will require a different approach

• With a rope on each end, the Rescue Mat can be used as a ferry, moving back and forth with loads of people

Utilization Considerations:• One of the ropes must be brought to the victims, by

throwing it, or a rescuer paddling it across• The ropes must be secured on each side and released or

pulled in to move the Rescue Mat back and forth until all the victims have been recovered

After use care of the Rescue MatCleaning Considerations:

• As soon as possible after use the Rescue Mat should be cleaned with dish-washing soap or a similar mild detergent

• Some brushing may be required to loosen mud or algae on the Rescue Mat; care should be exercised to prevent scratching the cover while brushing it and only soft brushes should be used

• All soap and other residue should be rinsed off the mat• To simplify cleaning, and for drying afterwards, the Rescue Mat

should stand on its side rather than laying flat. • Allow at least 30 minutes of drying time, depending on

temperature and humidityRepacking Considerations:

• One person can repack the Rescue Mat, but it is much easier to do so with two or more

• Ropes, or other items that add to the functionality or safety of your Rescue Mat, can be stored inside the rolled up mat

For more information about the Rescue Mat

Contact Rick CoxNational Sales Manager

Rescue Mat by First Alertrick.cox@rescuemat.com

Cell: 224.260.7559