ResQmat

Features

• Completely encloses the legs and arms. This prevents people from reaching out whilst being rescued, and possibly impeding the rescue.
• Strong, thick Hook & Loop Tape straps.
• Padded head pillow protects the head when going down stairs.
• Full length mini mattress protects the body when going down stairs.
• Automatically fits to size.
• After removing from the storage bag, the plastic board will lie flat and will not curl up like some other rescue mats. There is no need to take the ResQmat out of the storage bag to ‘reverse roll’ it every three months and then repack it.

To Use

Take the ResQmat to the Patient. Remove the strap that is around the ResQmat and unfold the ResQmat.

When the Patient is on top of the ResQmat, place their head on the pillow with their shoulders close to the edge of the pillow. The oversize pillow is to protect the Patient’s head when going around corners.

The methods outlined below are only some suggested ways of getting the Patient onto the ResQmat. Your Manual Handling Advisor may have a better suggestion for this task.

If the Patient is in bed

Log roll the Patient to place the ResQmat under them. It is better to place the side of the ResQmat with the soft Hook and Loop Tape under the Patient. If the side with the Red Shortening Strap is tucked in first under the patient the Red Shortening Strap may catch underneath the Patient.

If the Patient is in a chair

Place the ResQmat on the floor in front of the chair with the pillow near the Patient’s feet. If they are in a wheelchair, apply the brakes, remove the foot plates or swing them out of the way. Lift the Patient’s legs to pull them, so they slide down into the ResQmat. This is easier if a second Carer can hold the Patient under the arms to help them slide, remember this is only used for an emergency evacuation. It also may be possible to stand the Patient and have the ResQmat near the chair to lay the Patient onto the ResQmat. There may not be enough Carers, so always ask your Manual Handling Advisor to learn a safe method for patients and Carers.

When the Patient is on the ResQmat

Firmly wrap the sides of the ResQmat over the Patient and secure the Hook & Loop Tape onto the opposite side. Start nearest the feet. Make sure the Red Shortening Strap is clear of the Patient’s feet.

The Patient’s feet should be inside the ‘V’ section of the Red Strap. After the four Hook & Loop Tape fastenings are firmly done up, pull the Red Strap from the foot of the sheet through the buckle near the chest, so the length of the ResQmat is made shorter as it wraps over the Patient’s feet. Use one hand to push the Red Strap into the buckle and the other hand to pull the Strap away from the buckle. Then close the clamp latch to secure the strap. Even if the webbing is not neatly in the buckle and some webbing is over the edge, the buckle should still close and lock the webbing. By shortening the length of the ResQmat it helps secure the Patient when they are taken down stairs feet first.

There is a second pulling strap located under the pillow and this can be used to help lower someone from a bed or if it is necessary, to pull from the head end of the ResQmat. This strap can be used to help the descent if going down stairs; on stair landings; turning around corners etc. In most evacuations this pulling strap will be kept out of the way, by storing it under the pillow. As there is less strain to pull from the foot end, only use the head pulling strap if necessary.

The Patient should be pulled clear of the building to a designated muster area approved by your facility.

Maintenance

We recommend an annual inspection to ensure vermin have not caused any damage. The direction of the corrugations on the plastic board means that it is not necessary to unroll it every few months.

Cleaning & Storage: Keep away from direct UV rays. Keep in a clean and dry environment. Do not subject to extreme temperatures or environment changes. Wipe clean with a hospital grade disinfectant. The foam pillow can be separated from the ResQmat. Remove the pillow and mattress foam and wash in a tub. Squeeze to remove excess water and air dry in the shade. Without the foam, the product can be washed up to 80°C (176°F). Air dry before use and storage. Inspect after cleaning, and report any concerns or damage that may affect use in an emergency and then withdraw from service and seek advice. Normally only a ResQmat that is used for staff training may need cleaning if it is soiled during an exercise. If the ResQmat is used in an emergency, the replacement cost should be covered in an insurance claim.