How does the Gryphon® Harness reduce litter carrier requirements?
The Gryphon® Harness distributes the patient's weight to the carriers' shoulders, freeing their hands and allowing a single rescuer at the front and back of the litter to safely transport a casualty. This reduces the standard 4-carrier requirement to just 2, freeing the remaining team members for security, overwatch, or additional medical tasks.
Is the Gryphon® Harness compatible with all litters?
The Gryphon® Harness is designed to be compatible with most framed litters on the market. Its nylon loops with grip tape attach to standard litter handles, and the 1-inch nylon webbing with quick-release buckles adjusts for a secure connection across different litter handle configurations.
Can rescuers remain armed and return fire while using the Gryphon® Harness?
Yes. This is one of the primary tactical advantages of the Gryphon® design. By distributing load to the shoulders and freeing both hands, litter carriers can maintain a weapon in a ready position during movement, enabling immediate response to threats. This capability is critical in CASEVAC under fire scenarios.
What does the Gryphon® Harness Set include?
The set includes two (2) Gryphon® Harnesses — one for each litter carrier — each measuring L 40 in. × W 4 in. when open and folding to L 7 in. × W 3 in. × H 3.5 in. for storage. Each harness weighs 22 oz and features grip-taped nylon loops, quick-release buckles, padded shoulder straps, and an adjustable rear buckle.
Can the Gryphon® Harness be used with the RAVEN 90C or Quad-Fold Medevac Litters?
Yes. The Gryphon® Harness is compatible with most framed litters, including NAR's RAVEN Model 90C bi-fold litter and Quad-Fold Medevac Litter, provided the handle configuration accepts the nylon loop attachment system. Users should verify fitment with their specific litter model before operational use.
How many harnesses are included in the Gryphon Litter Carrying Harness Set?
The Gryphon Litter Carrying Harness Set includes two harnesses — one for the lead bearer and one for the trailing bearer, covering both ends of a two-person litter carry. Additional sets can be purchased for four-person carries.
What litters is the Gryphon Harness compatible with?
The Gryphon Harness is designed for standard military litter pole diameters. Confirm compatibility with your specific litter model before deployment. Known compatible platforms include NAR's TALON II, T3 Lightweight Assault Litter, and Quad-Fold Medevac Litter. Contact North American Rescue for specific compatibility confirmation.
How does the Gryphon Harness improve bearer endurance during long carries?
Standard litter carrying requires sustained grip strength and upper-body endurance that fatigues bearers within minutes of sustained effort. The Gryphon Harness transfers litter load from the hands and forearms to the shoulder girdle and body core — muscle groups with significantly greater endurance capacity. This translates to longer sustained carries without bearer rotation.
Does the Gryphon Harness require special training to use?
No formal certification is required. Litter carry teams should practice harness attachment, litter loading, and coordinated movement under realistic load before operational deployment. Standard TCCC/TECC evacuation modules cover litter carry techniques; harness integration drills add approximately 30 minutes to standard carry training.
Is the Gryphon Harness Set available through government NSN procurement?
The Gryphon Litter Carrying Harness Set is available through North American Rescue's federal supply channels. Contact MED-TAC International for agency procurement, NSN data, and unit-volume pricing.
