Rigid litters can't go everywhere — around tight corners, through brush, or through an opening narrower than a stretcher. In those scenarios the casualty still has to move.
What drags a casualty through terrain a stretcher can't reach?
The RANGER Sked was designed by and for U.S. Army Rangers — operators moving casualties and equipment where conventional litters are impractical. Its flexible drag-sheet format conforms to terrain, drags around corners, pulls through brush, and maneuvers through openings too narrow for a stretcher. Five cobra-buckle cross straps secure the casualty for both drag and carry; six sewn-on handles enable a six-point team carry; and a 12 ft drag rope with a plastic tube handle (adjustable via grommets) protects the rescuer's hands over rough ground. The Coyote Brown colorway gives appropriate field camouflage, and a retainer strap keeps the rolled Sked secure in transport. It is not rated for helicopter hoist — use purpose-built hoist-rated slings for vertical extraction.
Why This Drag
Conforms To Terrain
Flexible sheet drags around corners and through gaps a rigid litter can't clear.
Drag Or Carry
12 ft rope for single-rescuer drag; six handles for a team carry.
Rolls Compact
Packs to a 7″ cylinder with a retainer strap — stows in a ruck or vehicle.
Ranger-Proven
A standard SOF and tactical-medicine item for over three decades.
Use note: carried by the six sewn-on handles in a team carry or dragged via the rope. Not rated for helicopter hoist operations — use hoist-rated slings for vertical extraction. Inspect straps, handles, and sheet before and after every use.
Who Fields It
SOF & Rangers — the unit this drag was built by and for
LE & SWAT — confined-space and corridor extraction
SAR & rescue — brush, rubble, and rough-terrain drags
Pair It Up
Build the extraction and evacuation load.
The Sked, Up Close
Drag Through Anything.
Genuine North American Rescue, shipped from a clinician-founded, veteran-led team.
Genuine North American Rescue
Sourced direct from North American Rescue.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | North American Rescue / SKEDCO |
| Color | Coyote Brown |
| Sheet Dimensions | 22.5″ × 8 ft × .100″ thickness |
| Rolled Dimensions | 7″ diameter × 22.5″ length |
| Cross Straps | 5 cobra-buckle |
| Carry Handles | 6 sewn-on webbing |
| Drag Rope | 12 ft with plastic tube handle; grommet-adjustable |
| Hoist Rating | Not rated for helicopter hoist |
| Origin | Designed by U.S. Army Rangers |
When to Deploy the RANGER Sked Patient/Equipment Drag
- Single-operator care-under-fire extraction: One rescuer drags a downed casualty to cover using the Sked's integrated handles — maintaining a lower profile than a two-person carry.
- Equipment movement under fire: The 'equipment drag' function allows moving a loaded pack, crew-served weapon, or other equipment with the same technique as a casualty drag.
- Confined-space extraction (vehicles, aircraft): The flat profile of the Sked and its low-friction surface is designed to extract casualties from vehicle interiors and helicopter compartments where litter access is impossible.
- Stairwell and building evacuation: Drag the patient down stairs in the Sked while maintaining head/neck protection — the coyote brown color reduces visual signature in tactical environments.
- K-9 and small-casualty drag: The adjustable configuration accommodates different patient sizes, including canine casualties, making the RANGER Sked useful for K-9 handler teams.
How the RANGER Sked Compares
RANGER Sked vs. RAT Strap (Rescue Assault Tether): The RAT Strap is a tether for hands-free open-ground dragging with quick-release; the Sked provides a patient platform for controlled extraction from confined spaces and vehicles. Use the RAT Strap when speed off the X is the priority; use the Sked when the extraction environment requires a contained patient platform.
RANGER Sked vs. rigid litters: Rigid litters (TALON II, RAVEN) are the standard for long-distance MEDEVAC carries. The Sked is an immediate-extraction tool for getting the casualty to where a litter can be deployed — not a replacement for primary MEDEVAC transport.
RANGER Sked vs. QuickLitter: The QuickLitter provides a two-person carry platform; the Sked is optimized for single-operator drag from confined spaces. Choose based on crew size, terrain, and extraction geometry.
Coyote Brown vs. other colors: Coyote Brown is the low-visibility tactical color appropriate for field use. Confirm your unit's color requirement. See all casualty evacuation equipment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the RANGER Sked CoTCCC-compliant for patient movement?
A: 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.
Q: Can the RANGER Sked be used for equipment transport as well as casualties?
A: 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.
Q: What is the NATO NSN for the RANGER Sked?
A: 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.
Q: Is the RANGER Sked appropriate for use in helicopter compartments?
A: 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.
Q: How does the coyote brown color affect use in daylight vs. night operations?
A: 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.
Related searches: Ranger Sked drag, SKEDCO patient drag, flexible casualty drag sheet, coyote brown sked, equipment drag sheet, tactical drag litter
All products sourced direct from North American Rescue. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
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