Is the Stingray Poleless Litter safe for use in CBRN or chemical decontamination environments?
Yes. The NAR Stingray® Poleless Litter has been tested and approved by both Federal and private laboratories using live chemical warfare agents. Its monofilament polypropylene construction does not absorb chemical agents and can be decontaminated through standard wash-down procedures, making it the correct choice for CBRN operations, decontamination corridors, and hazmat casualty transport.
How much weight can the Stingray Poleless Litter hold?
The Stingray Poleless Litter is rated to a 1,000 lb (453.6 kg) payload capacity. This significant load rating ensures structural integrity even when supporting larger patients or when the litter is operated by multiple rescuers applying loading forces across the six handles simultaneously.
Can the Stingray Poleless Litter accept poles to become a pole litter?
Yes. The litter cover is designed to accept 2-inch poles — such as pike poles, extension poles, or similar tools — inserted through the litter cover, converting it to a rigid pole system when needed. The outer handles can also be used with debris or improvised poles. This dual-use design provides flexibility when purpose-built rigid litters are unavailable.
Why is the Stingray Poleless Litter preferred for wet-patient transport?
The monofilament polypropylene material drains freely rather than absorbing water, making it ideal for moving patients extracted from water, mud, or contaminated fluid environments. Unlike fabric litters that become waterlogged and heavy, the Stingray remains lightweight and allows drainage during transport, reducing the risk of additional patient hypothermia from sustained wet contact.
How compact is the Stingray Poleless Litter for vehicle or cache storage?
Folded, the Stingray measures H 20 in. × W 12 in. × D 2 in. and weighs just 1 lb 13 oz (0.7 kg). This flat-pack profile allows multiple units to be staged in a vehicle, ambulance, or mass casualty cache with minimal cube space, making it ideal for MCI pre-positioning and large-scale emergency response planning.
Is the NAR Stingray Poleless Litter CoTCCC-recommended?
Casualty extraction and transport are addressed in TCCC CASEVAC guidelines; the Stingray Poleless Litter is a casualty movement platform, not a medical device. It supports CoTCCC CASEVAC principles by enabling movement of casualties from point of injury to collection point.
What training is required to use the Stingray Poleless Litter?
TCCC CASEVAC training covers casualty packaging and movement. Specific litter techniques require unit-level training; providers should practice the Stingray's wrap-and-carry configuration before operational deployment.
How does the poleless design compare to a rigid litter?
The poleless design allows the litter to conform to confined spaces, doorways, and irregular terrain where rigid pole litters cannot maneuver. Rigid litters provide better spinal immobilization; the poleless design prioritizes mobility and compact storage over spinal stability.
What is the NSN or procurement path for the NAR Stingray Litter?
Available through MED-TAC International. DoD unit procurement can contact NAR for current NSN and GSA contract vehicle information.
What is the weight capacity of the Stingray Poleless Litter?
Verify the rated weight capacity in the current product specification. NAR Stingray litters are designed for full adult casualty loads in tactical environments; verify the specific weight rating before operational deployment.
