Abstract: A flexible, microporous, non-water soluble, non-skin-toxic film is provided for use in protective garments such as diver's suits, foul weather suits and the like. The film is of a thickness in the range of about 12.5.mu. to 12.5 mm and possesses about 100 to 1000 pores of a diameter in the range of about 2 to 100.mu. per cm.sup.2 of film surface. The porosity of the film permits the passage of body vapors but prevents, at least up to modest external pressures, the counter-passage of water. The film can be of a foamed material to provide increased insulational value.

Abstract: A casualty transport system which provides substantially complete splinting, thermal protection and buoyancy for a patient transported by land, sea or air. The system is particularly suited for ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship or ship-to-helicopter transfers and for mountain rescue. The patient is placed in a glass reinforced plastic body shell having a removable lid which covers all but the head. The body shell is provided with a foam plastic lining premoulded to a 75 percentile man and close splinting, if required, can be achieved by a cast-in-place technique. Lifting handles and lugs and towing eyes are provided on the exterior of the body shell to facilitate lifting and handling.