Abstract: A. rescue harness including an inflatable bladder coupled with the harness near a harness upper back portion. The inflatable bladder is held in a stored position on the harness. In one example, the inflatable bladder includes at least first and second folds in the stored position. The first fold is configured to direct inflation of the inflatable bladder along a first direction away from a harness neck area. The second fold is configured to direct inflation of the inflatable bladder along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second folds are sized and shaped to direct inflation along the first direction and afterward direct inflation along the second direction. In another example, the rescue harness includes a deflector configured to direct the inflatable bladder away from the harness neck area during inflation and after inflation of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A rescue harness including an inflatable bladder coupled with the harness near a harness upper back portion. The inflatable bladder is held in a stored position on the harness. In one example, the inflatable bladder includes at least first and second folds in the stored position. The first fold is configured to direction inflation of the inflatable bladder along a first direction away from a harness neck area. The second fold is configured to direct inflation of the inflatable bladder along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second folds are sized and shaped to direct inflation along the first direction and afterward direct inflation along the second direction. In another example, the rescue harness includes a deflector configured to direct the inflatable bladder away from the harness neck area during inflation and after inflation of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A rescue device for use by a user in a material slide includes a bundle having an inflatable bladder in a storage position. Optionally, a harness is coupled to the bundle. In one example, the bundle is adapted to be selectively secured to a backpack. A tether constrains the inflatable bladder. In another example, the tether constrains the bladder to remain within a predetermined distance from a connection device. In another example, the tether constrains the inflatable bladder in a deployed position to around a head of the user. The inflatable bladder, when deployed, is generally buoyant in the material slide and pulls the user proximate to a top surface of the material slide. Optionally, the inflatable bladder, when in a deployed position, is immediately adjacent the user to aid in protecting the user against blunt force trauma from the material slide.

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.