What is the Ranger Sked designed for?
The Ranger Sked is a flexible drag sheet designed for linear casualty drags and equipment transport in environments where rigid litters are impractical — tight corridors, rubble, brush, and terrain that cannot accommodate a standard stretcher. It was designed by the U.S. Army Rangers for rapid movement of casualties from the point of injury. It can also be used as a carry device with its six sewn-on handles supporting a four-to-six person team carry.
Can the Ranger Sked be used for helicopter extraction?
No. The Ranger Sked is not designed for helicopter hoisting or lowering operations. It is rated for ground-level drag and carry operations only. For helicopter MEDEVAC or hoist extraction, purpose-built, hoist-rated rescue slings and harnessing systems approved for that application must be used.
How are the five cross straps used?
The five cobra-buckle cross straps secure the casualty inside the Sked for both drag and carry operations. The casualty is placed on the opened Sked, the sheet is wrapped around them, and the straps are fastened across the body from feet to chest to maintain containment during movement. The cobra buckle design provides fast, secure fastening and rapid release if the casualty's condition changes.
How is the drag rope length adjusted?
The 12-foot drag rope is adjustable by pulling it further through the grommets at the head of the Sked and tying overhand knots farther from the ends of the rope. This shortens the effective working length without cutting the rope, allowing rescuers to adapt to corridor width, team configuration, or terrain without tools.
Why is Coyote Brown the color for this version?
The Coyote Brown colorway provides visual camouflage appropriate for arid, desert, and mixed terrain operational environments — the same color palette used across much of U.S. military and law enforcement tactical gear. The neutral tan/brown tone reduces visual signature compared to high-visibility colors. For training or civilian emergency use where visibility is preferred, other color options may be available.
Is the RANGER Sked CoTCCC-compliant for patient movement?
The RANGER Sked supports the patient movement phase of TCCC — moving a casualty from point of injury to covered ground. It aligns with CoTCCC care-under-fire guidance for moving a casualty with minimal exposure. It is not a litter for the TACEVAC phase but serves as the immediate-extraction tool.
Can the RANGER Sked be used for equipment transport as well as casualties?
Yes. The 'Ranger' configuration is designed for both patient and equipment dragging. The drag function allows moving heavy loads — crew-served weapons, packs, or supply items — using the same handle and technique as a patient drag. Load ratings vary; refer to the product datasheet for maximum rated load.
What is the NATO NSN for the RANGER Sked?
NSN availability for the RANGER Sked should be confirmed through North American Rescue's NSN catalog or via MED-TAC International's government sales team. Contact us for current NSN, CAGE code, and contract vehicle options.
Is the RANGER Sked appropriate for use in helicopter compartments?
Yes. The Sked is specifically designed for confined-space extraction including aircraft interior access. The low-friction bottom surface allows sliding the casualty across deck surfaces. Follow the IFU for loading technique in aircraft extraction scenarios.
How does the coyote brown color affect use in daylight vs. night operations?
Coyote brown provides a low-visibility profile in most arid and temperate environments, reducing the visual signature of a drag operation compared to bright-colored equipment. For night operations, the color is less relevant; however, team members should be aware of the Sked's position during NVG operations where color contrast differs significantly.
