Helicopter Rescue Basket Air Ambulance Foldaway Stretcher | Roundfin
1. Rugged all-terrain construction — engineered for helicopter hoist operations, mountain rescue, swift-water extraction, and tactical medical evacuation in austere environments
2. Integrated stainless steel hoist attachment points (4-point bridle configuration) rated for vertical lift operations with standard helicopter rescue hoists and winches
3. High-visibility orange flotation collar with integrated buoyancy chambers keeps the stretcher and patient afloat in water landing scenarios during over-water helicopter operations
4. Foldaway design with positive-locking deployment mechanism — folds compactly for helicopter cabin storage and deploys to full operational configuration in under 60 seconds
5. Corrosion-resistant marine-grade aluminum frame with fully welded and polished 304 stainless steel at all structural connection points for saltwater and extreme weather durability
6. CE marked and manufactured under ISO 13485 standards; compliant with HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Services) equipment requirements and offshore oil & gas medevac protocols
Product Overview
The Helicopter Rescue Basket Air Ambulance Foldaway Stretcher is a specialized patient transport platform engineered for the extreme demands of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS), search and rescue (SAR), offshore medevac, mountain rescue, and tactical combat casualty evacuation. Constructed from corrosion-resistant marine-grade aluminum with fully welded 304 stainless steel structural connections, this stretcher features integrated 4-point hoist attachment points rated for vertical helicopter lift operations, a high-visibility orange flotation collar for over-water safety, and a foldaway design for compact helicopter cabin storage. Every design element is optimized for the unique requirements of rotary-wing patient transport: corrosion resistance for saltwater operations, high visibility for aerial spotting, flotation for over-water safety, and structural integrity for hoist loads.
Helicopter Rescue Basket Air Ambulance Foldaway Stretcher — HEMS and SAR Patient Transport
Key Takeaway: Helicopter Rescue Basket Air Ambulance Foldaway Stretcher — Roundfin quality. Lightweight, durable construction. CE marked, ISO 13485 certified. Worldwide shipping with bulk pricing for institutional and government procurement.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Marine-grade aluminum alloy with fully welded 304 stainless steel structural connections and polished finish |
| Hoist System | Integrated 4-point stainless steel hoist attachment bridle; rated for 500 kg vertical lift (3:1 safety factor) |
| Flotation | High-visibility orange flotation collar with integrated closed-cell buoyancy chambers; floats with patient up to 150 kg |
| Folding | Foldaway design with positive-locking deployment; deploys in under 60 seconds; folds to approximately 30% of deployed volume |
| Patient Restraint | 5-point full-body restraint harness with aircraft-grade quick-release buckle; compatible with helicopter crew restraint tether |
| Corrosion Protection | Marine-grade aluminum with anodized finish; 304 stainless steel hardware; salt-spray tested to 500+ hours |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 200 kg (440 lb) in horizontal transport; 160 kg (350 lb) during vertical hoist operations |
| Certifications | CE marked; ISO 13485; EASA/EU 965/2012 compliant for HEMS operations; offshore oil & gas medevac approved |
Key Features
- 4-Point Certified Hoist System — Integrated stainless steel attachment bridle with four lift points rated to 500 kg (3:1 safety factor over maximum hoist load); compatible with all standard helicopter rescue hoists (Goodrich, Breeze-Eastern, Vita Inclinata) and ship-to-rig crane transfers.
- High-Visibility Flotation Collar — International orange collar with integrated closed-cell buoyancy chambers; provides positive flotation for stretcher + patient up to 150 kg in water landing scenarios; high-visibility color aids aerial spotting and maritime search operations.
- Marine-Grade Corrosion Resistance — Aluminum frame anodized to marine specification with 304 stainless steel at all structural connections; salt-spray chamber tested to 500+ hours; suitable for offshore oil & gas, coast guard, and naval medical evacuation operations.
- Foldaway Helicopter-Optimized Storage — Positive-locking deployment mechanism enables rapid transition from folded storage (approximately 30% of deployed volume) to full operational configuration in under 60 seconds; compact folded dimensions maximize limited helicopter cabin and rescue equipment locker space.
- 5-Point Aircraft-Grade Restraint — Full-body harness with single-point quick-release buckle secures the patient during hoist lift, in-flight turbulence, and water landing; additional tether point for connection to helicopter crew restraint system during flight.
- All-Terrain Base Design — Reinforced base with integrated skid rails enables the stretcher to be dragged over rough terrain, snow, sand, and debris during ground-based extraction to the helicopter landing zone or hoist pickup point.
Applications
- Ambulance, hospital and first-aid patient transport workflows
- Rescue, evacuation and emergency-response operations
- Clinics, industrial sites and public facilities preparing emergency equipment
- Organizations selecting a stretcher or rescue device for the stated load and environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this stretcher certified for helicopter hoist operations?
Yes. The integrated 4-point hoist attachment bridle is rated to 500 kg vertical lift (3:1 safety factor) and is compatible with standard helicopter rescue hoists. The stretcher meets EASA/EU 965/2012 requirements for HEMS equipment and has been tested in representative hoist scenarios including free-air suspension, ship-deck pickup, and confined-area extraction. The hoist attachment points are constructed from 304 stainless steel with redundant connection to the frame for failsafe operation.
What happens during a water landing?
The integrated flotation collar provides positive buoyancy for the stretcher and a secured patient up to 150 kg. In the event of a controlled or emergency water landing, the stretcher will float with the patient secured, allowing the helicopter crew or rescue swimmers to release the hoist cable and maneuver the stretcher independently in the water. The international orange color provides high contrast for aerial and maritime search operations. The flotation collar is permanently attached to the frame and requires no inflation — it is always ready.
How compactly does this stretcher fold for helicopter storage?
The foldaway design reduces the stretcher to approximately 30% of its deployed volume. Typical folded dimensions are approximately 100 x 50 x 30 cm, fitting in standard helicopter rescue equipment compartments (e.g., Airbus H145, Leonardo AW139, Sikorsky S-92). The positive-locking mechanism ensures the stretcher cannot accidentally deploy during turbulent flight conditions. The folded configuration is also suitable for storage in offshore platform sick bays, coast guard vessels, and mountain rescue base stations.
What maintenance is required for the hoist attachment system?
The 4-point bridle and attachment hardware must be inspected before each deployment for corrosion, deformation, cracking, or cable fraying. An annual load test to 1.5x rated capacity (750 kg) is recommended in accordance with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) or equivalent national standards. Stainless steel hardware showing any sign of corrosion pitting, deformation, or cracking must be replaced before the next deployment. Roundfin provides replacement bridle kits, and authorized service centers can perform annual load testing and recertification. Maintain a hoist system inspection log for regulatory compliance.
Explore related emergency products or contact Roundfin for configuration, compatibility and quotation details.
