MED-TAC International's patient transportation collection includes tactical litters, flexible stretchers, SKED-style rescue systems, stair chairs, ambulance cots, and casualty evacuation devices for military, law enforcement, EMS, and emergency management applications. From confined-space extraction to mass-casualty triage staging, these platforms are sourced from original manufacturers including Ferno, SKEDCO, North American Rescue, and Junkin Safety.
What Are the Different Types of Patient Transport Devices?
Patient transportation devices span a wide spectrum from individual-carry tactical litters to multi-person stretcher systems. The appropriate device depends on terrain, patient condition, crew size, transport distance, and threat environment. Tactical litters (SKEDCO, TALON II, NAR RUEX) are designed for combat and law enforcement use — lightweight, packable, and functional in confined corridors, stairwells, or under fire. Flexible/folding stretchers work for general prehospital transport in non-combat EMS settings. Scoop stretchers separate laterally to load a patient without log-rolling, reducing spinal movement risk. Stair chairs allow ambulatory-assist and seated transport down stairwells. CASEVAC sleds enable one- or two-rescuer drag extraction across multiple terrain types. See also the Casualty Evacuation Equipment collection for drag handles, pole litters, and field-expedient systems.
How Does Tactical Patient Transport Differ from Civilian EMS Transport?
In conventional EMS, transport occurs in a permissive environment — the threat has been neutralized, staging is organized, and crew resources are adequate. Tactical patient transport under the TCCC/TECC framework occurs in three threat phases with different transport priorities at each. In the Direct Threat (Care Under Fire) phase, transport means dragging the casualty to cover using whatever is at hand — drag straps, collar grab, or improvised drags. In the Indirect Threat (Tactical Field Care) phase, improvised or purpose-built field litters allow organized movement to a casualty collection point. In the Evacuation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC) phase, standardized litter platforms compatible with vehicle mounts, helicopter skids, and aircraft litter systems are required. This progression drives the design requirements — weight, packability, lashing points, and compatibility with standard NATO litter mounting hardware — that distinguish tactical patient transport platforms from commercial EMS stretchers.
Which Patient Transport Device Is Right for Your Mission?
Transport platform selection should match your operational environment, crew size, and casualty profile. The table below outlines key distinctions between common device types.
| Device Type |
Best Application |
Crew Required |
Key Feature |
| SKED / Rescue Stretcher |
Confined space, narrow corridors, extractions |
1–4 carriers |
Rolls up, full-body wrap, drag/litter compatible |
| Pole Litter (NATO-pattern) |
Field/combat CASEVAC, helo loading |
2–4 carriers |
Standard helo/vehicle litter mounts, replaceable canvas |
| Scoop / Orthopedic Stretcher |
Trauma with suspected spinal injury |
2 carriers |
Lateral separation — no log-roll required |
| Flexible / Folding Stretcher |
General EMS, staging, MCI triage |
2 carriers |
Lightweight, compact storage, cost-effective MCI staging |
| Stair Chair |
Urban, multi-story, ambulatory-assist |
2 carriers |
Tracked descent, seated transport, elevator access |
| CASEVAC Sled / Drag Device |
Active threat extraction, minimal crew |
1–2 carriers |
One-rescuer extract, works across multiple surfaces |
What Litters Are Compatible with Military Helicopters and Tactical Vehicles?
Military MEDEVAC and CASEVAC operations use standardized NATO litter mounting systems across UH-60 Black Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, HH-60 Pave Hawk, and ground vehicle platforms. The NATO standard litter (also called the "pole litter" or "field litter") uses a canvas sling between two aluminum or fiberglass poles, measuring approximately 90" × 22" in the load zone. This platform mounts directly into aircraft litter stanchion systems and vehicle litter mounts without modification. Commercially available NATO-compatible litters from Ferno, Talon, and Military surplus sources all maintain this standard. For tactical vehicle use, litter mounts attach to vehicle roll bars, cargo rails, or vehicle-specific mounting kits. Law enforcement and EMS agencies using MRAP or tactical vehicle fleets should verify litter dimensions against vehicle mounting specifications before ordering.
How Is Patient Transport Managed in Mass Casualty Incidents?
Mass casualty incident (MCI) patient transport requires pre-positioned transport resources at the casualty collection point, treatment areas, and loading zones. FEMA and NIMS guidance recommends that MCI transport staging include sufficient litters for the anticipated immediate and delayed patient count — generally one litter per immediate (red tag) patient and shared flexible stretchers for delayed (yellow) patients. Color-coded triage tags (START or JumpSTART protocol) should be attached to litters at point of care and remain with the patient throughout transport. For MCI kits and triage supplies compatible with multi-patient transport operations, see the Mass Casualty & Active Shooter Kits and Triage collections.
Equip Your Team for Any Evacuation Scenario
From confined-space rescue stretchers to NATO-compatible litters — sourced direct from the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CASEVAC and MEDEVAC?+
MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation) refers to planned, dedicated medical transport assets — specifically aircraft or vehicles with medical crew and equipment committed solely to patient movement. CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) refers to opportunistic transport of casualties on non-dedicated assets — a tactical vehicle, a logistics helicopter, or any available platform pressed into casualty movement. MEDEVAC assets fly under protected status and are identified by the Red Cross symbol; CASEVAC assets do not have that protection. In law enforcement and civilian emergency management contexts, the CASEVAC concept applies to any improvised or expedient patient movement that precedes formal EMS transport.
How many people does it take to carry a litter?+
Standard litter carries use 4 bearers — two on each side — for sustained movement over flat terrain. Rough terrain, stairwells, and obstacles may require 6 bearers. Over short distances in emergency extractions, 2 bearers can handle most litter carries. One-person extraction drags using devices like the SKEDCO sled or simple drag straps are possible for distances up to 100 meters, but the physical demand is significant and the technique must be practiced. For training on litter carry techniques, the CoTCCC TCCC curriculum and NAEMT TECC courses cover tactical casualty movement in detail.
What is a SKED stretcher and what makes it different from a standard litter?+
The SKED Rescue Stretcher (made by SKEDCO) is a semi-rigid plastic rescue device that wraps around the patient to provide circumferential immobilization in a compact, packable form factor. Unlike a rigid pole litter, the SKED rolls into a cylinder roughly 25" long and weighs under 7 pounds — making it deployable from a backpack or bag. It features multiple lashing points, can be used as a standard four-bearer litter, rigged for vertical rescue, or dragged by a single rescuer. It is widely used by military units, SAR teams, SWAT medics, and confined-space rescue teams. The SKED does not provide spinal immobilization equivalent to a rigid long board, but it is the optimal solution when rapid extraction and portability are prioritized.
Can a scoop stretcher be used for suspected spinal injuries?+
Yes — the scoop stretcher (also called the orthopedic stretcher or split-frame stretcher) is specifically designed to load a patient with minimal movement by separating into two lateral halves that slide under the patient from both sides simultaneously. This eliminates the need for a log-roll, which is beneficial when spinal injury is suspected. The patient is then secured with straps and, if spinal precautions are indicated, a cervical collar is applied and the patient is transferred to a rigid long board or vacuum mattress for transport. Major trauma systems and EMS agencies increasingly use scoop stretchers as the primary loading device due to their spinal motion reduction benefits.
What patient transport equipment should be staged at a mass casualty incident?+
NIMS MCI guidance recommends staging transport equipment at designated treatment areas based on triage category. Immediate (red) patients require litters — typically one per patient. Delayed (yellow) patients can share flexible stretchers or remain on the ground with positioning devices. Minor (green) patients self-transport to a designated collection area. Expectant (black/grey) patients receive comfort care in a separate area. MCI transport supply calculations should assume an immediate patient count equal to 10–15% of total estimated casualties for most incidents. For large-scale events, cache plans should pre-position litters, triage tags, and patient tracking systems at the incident command post.
What is the Reeves Sleeve and how is it used?+
The Reeves Flexible Stretcher (also called the Reeves Sleeve or EMS Sleeve) is a semi-rigid multi-function stretcher that combines features of a body wrap, litter, and immobilization device. It features six carrying handles positioned for variable crew configurations, a head immobilizer section, and hook-and-loop body straps. The Reeves is commonly used by EMS, fire rescue, and hospital transport teams for movement through confined spaces, stairwells, and difficult terrain. It can be used as a supplemental device over a long spine board or as a standalone carry device in environments where rigid boards are impractical.
Related Collections
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
