RCM SAR Station 14 in Gibsons has some new gear thanks to the Gibsons Lions Club. The station crew had a chance to try out the vacuum spine board stretcher donated by the Gibsons Lions on July 9, with Judy Charboneau of the Lions playing the role of patient. This valuable piece of equipment is lightweight and portable, and when filled with air folds down to fit into a backpack. When the air is vacuumed out, it compresses and becomes rigid enough to carry up to 350 pounds. As the air is extracted, it forms to the body of the patient in position. It’s expected to be especially useful for extractions from steep, rocky terrain or as an addition to the station’s other stretcher equipment for multi-casualty situations.
