Abstract: A rescue harness includes an inflatable bladder. Optionally, an inflatable bladder, gas canister and an opening mechanism are held in a container. In one example, at least the inflatable bladder is retained near a predetermined portion of the harness assembly in an inflated condition. The predetermined portion of the harness assembly is remote from the container. In another example, at least the inflatable bladder is movably coupled along a guide portion of the harness assembly in an inflated condition. In still another example, the inflatable bladder substantially envelops a gas canister and an opening mechanism in a storage position.

Abstract: An emergency rescue and recovery device includes a portable bundle with an inflatable bladder in a storage position. In one example, the inflatable bladder has a substantially toroid geometry when inflated. The portable bundle further includes a gas canister in communication with the inflatable bladder, and an opening mechanism coupled to the gas canister. A tether is coupled to the inflatable bladder. A manual trigger is coupled to the opening mechanism, and is operable to initiate inflation of the bladder. Optionally, the portable bundle includes a pouch and at least the inflatable bladder, the gas canister, and the opening mechanism are disposed within the pouch. A method for using an emergency rescue and recovery device includes coupling the portable bundle to a vehicle or person. A manual trigger is operated to inflate the bladder. The method includes inflating the bladder into a substantially toroid geometry splitting the enclosure.

Abstract: An emergency rescue and recovery device includes a portable bundle with an inflatable bladder in a storage position. In one example, the inflatable bladder has a substantially toroid geometry when inflated. The portable bundle further includes a gas canister in communication with the inflatable bladder, and an opening mechanism coupled to the gas canister. A tether is coupled to the inflatable bladder. A manual trigger is coupled to the opening mechanism, and is operable to initiate inflation of the bladder. Optionally, the portable bundle includes a pouch and at least the inflatable bladder, the gas canister, and the opening mechanism are disposed within the pouch. A method for using an emergency rescue and recovery device includes coupling the portable bundle to a vehicle or person. A manual trigger is operated to inflate the bladder. The method includes inflating the bladder into a substantially toroid geometry splitting the enclosure.