The Gear Lab: Review of Agilite's IPC

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Via The Gear Locker.

When I saw a video of Agilite’s new IPC (Injured Personnel Carrier), I knew that TGL needed to have it in their hands to review it.  And what better way to review it, then to give it to one of our testing team members that teaches a Tactical First Aid Class. Kerry of DARK Angel Medical.  Below is his review of the IPC and use during a training class:

When I first saw the IPC video on YouTube, I was blown away. My first impression was, “Man, that is cool! Why didn’t someone think of that earlier?” Leave it to the creative minds at Agilite to figure out a fast and effective way to get a casualty out of an unsafe environment.

When I got the IPC for review, it took me a minute to figure out how to slide the straps into place but once I got that figured out, it was quick and easy. Just like any gear you get, get it out, try it out and figure out how it works before you need it.

The IPC comes in three colors, Black, Coyote Brown, and Red.  Nylon webbing with padded shoulder straps and plastic buckles comprise the carrier. To put it on, ensure the casualty is lying on the ground on their back. Elevate their legs and place the straps underneath their legs with the flourescent  indicator mark on the lower strap midline with their body. Secure the leg straps and then slide the upper strap up the victim’s torso as high as possible. This will create the shoulder straps. In a seated position between the victim’s legs, place the shoulder straps over your shoulders and adjust as necessary utilizing the large adjusting buckle on the lower right strap. Then secure the sternum/chest strap. The next step is where you need to take extra care not to injure yourself and/or the victim and hope that the victim isn’t too heavy for you to lift safely. (you may want to have a spotter or two handy) Grab the victim’s arm close to you and roll over onto all fours. This will place the victim on your back like a backpack. Slowly transfer the load to your legs and lift with your legs, like a squat, while keeping your back as straight as possible. Move out!

Extra care must also be taken when ducking through low-hanging areas (their head may not clear the obstacle) and when going down stairs (their legs may drag). In the course of testing this product out with my co-workers at SIG Sauer Academy and my kids (ranging in ages 21 to 7), I found it easy to deploy and utilize.

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In addition to a tactical environment, other considerations for this product include back country skiiers, hikers, campers and hunters. This could allow evacuation of a victim from rough country with minimal effort.

On the tactical side, I’ve even heard reports from other branches of service who have this in use who have modified the victim carry and now have them on facing the rear so that if conscious, they can now pull rear security. It’s kind of like having your own personal tactical trunk monkey!

IPC Hi-Res 1

Whether on the battlefield or campground, the IPC from Agilite fills the bill when it comes to quick, efficient casualty evacuation and it’s found a home in our gear bag here at Dark Angel Medical HQ.

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