ResQsled sleighs them at Seawork
A new form of marine rescue sled from an equally new company is to be launched at Seawork 2009.
On display in the Innovations Showcase and qualifying for the Spirit of Innovation Award, the ResQsled Extra has the unique characteristics of a rescue sled and a paddleable kayak, filling a gap in the ‘first responder’ rescue service market.
Although simple, this bit of kit may well prove itself to be essential kit for rescue services operating on or near water, especially as it can be conveniently stowed on board rescue boats for rapid deployment and accessing casualties in shallow water, on mud or sand banks, in fast flowing rivers or in flood waters.
The new venture that has developed the sled is Specialised Inflatable Technology (SIT) and has well known antecedents. SIT is a 50/50 joint venture between MST and Chris Chadwick. As such, it has some 30 years of marine experience to back it up.
SIT has been established to design, manufacture, maintain and service RIB tubes and other inflatable products, giving it has a solid technological base from which to develop innovations such as the ResQsled. SIT’s tubes can also be seen on MST RIBs on show at Seawork 2009.
Philip Hilbert of MST says the new venture is positioned for both functions. ‘Firstly, it enables us to be assured of highest quality RIB tubes for our MST products and guaranteed quality control. Secondly, SIT is expanding into the development of exciting new innovative products for the specialist rescue and emergency service markets worldwide.’
Chris Chadwick concluded, ‘Our range of products includes RIB sponsons, OEM, re-tubing and repair services, self righting bags and systems, and emergency rescue inflatables. The main end users are fire and rescue services, mountain rescue, MCA and other rescue teams and organisations. These products will be distributed through Safequip Ltd in the UK. We will be delighted to discuss any of these products or services with visitors to Seawork 2009.’
