Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collapsible, convertible, extendable, traction-providing, portable stretcher/body splint type rescue device for use generally in emergency rescue field situations and having three main parts: a top or head portion, a middle or body portion, and an optional bottom or foot portion, all of which are formed from radiolucent material. The rescue device of the present invention further includes a head gear portion that is slidably adjustable, can provide dynamic cervical traction in the field, and is positioned on, yet easily removable from, the top or head portion. There is also padding on the top and middle portions which is removable, as well as a plurality of restraining devices such as webs, gores, straps and flaps to immobilize a victim on the rescue device.

Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.

Abstract: A cot for assisting in the transfer of a body from a removable support bed of the cot to another surface. The cot includes a trolley which serves as a transporter for the removable support bed. The cot also includes a tilting device which is designed to tilt the support bed about the trolley. The support bed may be removed from the trolley to reduce the total weight carried by the attendants, and permit the removal of a body from locations which are difficult to access. When removed from the trolley, the support bed may be rolled upright with wheels that are located at one end of the support bed. The support bed is contoured in shaped to pool bodily fluids which may escape during transport. A locking device is provided on the trolley for releasably securing the support bed thereon.

Abstract: A tactical stretcher used to transport accident victims, in particular, to stretcher type devices used to transport victims who have been exposed to hazardous materials is disclosed. The tactical stretcher comprises a foldable tubular frame having spreader assemblies attached thereto for securing the stretcher in a folded or unfolded position, the folded position having reduced width. The frame is coated with chemical resistant paint, and includes integral handles swedged into the ends of the frame. Each integral swedged handle has alternate grooves and ridges to provide a firm grip, and reduce hand and arm fatigue for a user wearing heavy rubber gloves. A bed spans the frame for carrying the accident victim thereon.

Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.

Abstract: A compact stretcher usable to transport a body having a sheet with a first surface and a second opposite surface. The first surface of the sheet possesses sufficient area to underlie and support a body being transported. The peripheral edge between the first and second surfaces which serves as a place for location of handles. A flange having a pocket is connected to the sheet and is of sufficient size to accommodate the sheet in a rolled configuration.

Abstract: An device for transporting an injured or disabled person from a building in an emergency situation including a source of pressurized fluid, such as a compressed air canister or cartridge, and an inflatable stretcher connected to the pressurized fluid source. The inflatable stretcher includes one or more handles to allow someone assisting the injured or handicapped person down a stairwell of the building. The stretcher includes means for securing the person to the stretcher, and further include air pockets configured to support, secure and cushion the injured or disabled person.

Abstract: Described is a collapsible cart for transporting items from a first surface to a raised surface. The collapsible cart comprises a platform, for carrying items thereon, wherein the platform comprises a front edge and a back edge. A collapsible front leg is attached to the platform. The collapsible front leg comprises an front upper leg and a front lower leg. Connected to the front upper leg and to the front lower leg is a spring biased to rotate the front lower leg towards an extended position relative to the front upper leg. A front release mechanism persuades the collapsible front legs to be withdrawn towards the platform. A collapsible rear leg is also attached to the platform. The collapsible rear leg comprises a rear upper leg, a rear lower leg and a spring connected there between biased to rotate the rear lower leg towards an extended position relative to the rear upper leg. A rear release mechanism allows the collapsible rear leg to be withdrawn towards the platform.

Abstract: A large body stretcher dimensioned to accommodate large-bodied persons and foldable to conserve space. The stretcher provides a patient support surface comprising a first board and a second board that are secured together and foldable along a longitudinal axis. The stretcher may conveniently be secured, via a securing arrangement, to a host cot. The stretcher further provides rotatable backrest portions that permit the backrest of the host cot to be raised in order to assist patients who can benefit from being transported in an upright or seated position. The stretcher further provides a plurality of retaining channels so that the restraining straps of the host cot are available for use with a patient placed upon the large body stretcher. Handholds are provided to allow convenient use of the stretcher as a standalone apparatus.

Abstract: An emergency trauma stretcher comprised of flexible fabric such that the stretcher may be rolled or folded into a package for easy transport into locations where traditional stretchers are either not appropriate or not available. The stretcher is comprised of a support structure and handles. The support structure is comprised of longitudinal support members and lateral support members that are joined together at overlapping intersections. The handles are formed by looping the longitudinal and lateral support members at predetermined locations.

Abstract: Transitional support for physically challenged persons. The support has a flexible inelastic base sheet with flexible inelastic loops at parallel edges to accommodate removable rigid poles. Pull straps on the sheet may be included to pull a person along the floor. To provide for a sitting support, a back sheet can be provided to join with the folded base sheet as a back restraint.

Abstract: A patient transport device is disclosed which includes a seat member, a back member, a leg supporting member, and a head supporting member. The device may be unfolded to a position wherein the patient may be transferred thereon in a supine position. The back member may be selectively adjustably positioned with respect to the seat member so that the patient may be transferred thereon in a sitting position with either the patient's legs hanging downwardly from the seat member or extending outwardly therefrom in a horizontal position. Various carrying straps are provided on the device to enable the patient to be easily transported in either the supine position or in a seated position. Restraining straps are also provided.

Abstract: A patient transport device is disclosed which includes a seat member, a back member, a leg supporting member, and a head supporting member. The device may be unfolded to a position wherein the patient may be transferred thereon in a supine position. The back member may be selectively adjustably positioned with respect to the seat member so that the patient may be transferred thereon in a sitting position with either the patient's legs hanging downwardly from the seat member or extending outwardly therefrom in a horizontal position. Various carrying straps are provided on the device to enable the patient to be easily transported in either the supine position or in a seated position. Restraining straps are also provided.

Abstract: An articulated bed comprises a main frame supported by a leg tube. An upper portion of the leg tube is longitudinally and pivotally displaceable relative to the main frame at an upper movable pivot point. A lower portion of a stabilizer is connected to a lower intermediate portion of the leg tube at a lower orbital pivot point. An upper portion of the stabilizer is pivotally connected relative to said main frame at an upper fixed pivot point. A wheel is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the leg tube at a pivot axis. The upper movable pivot point, the lower orbital pivot point, and the pivot axis do not coalign and the distance between the upper fixed pivot point and the upper movable pivot point are maximized when the main frame is in a raised position.

Abstract: A collapsible, transportable personnel isolation apparatus or device is used to isolate a patient in a controlled environment and to protect the patient against biological or chemical hazards during transport of the patient. The collapsible apparatus has a flexible containment wall which is expandable from a collapsed, stored state to an expanded state to receive the patient. At least a portion of the containment wall is clear to allow observation of the patient within an interior region of the device. An air filtration system is provided for filtering air between the airtight interior region and the ambient atmosphere. Preferably, the apparatus has various ports therein, such as glove ports, pass through ports, access ports for cardiac leads, infusion line ports, and ventilation ports. Preferably, an air filtration device provides a flow rate of 4 to 6 cfm to prevent an undesirable build-up of carbon dioxide and provides a predetermined air pressure within the interior regions.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus includes at least one flexible support member and a plurality of handles and an attachment member extending outwardly therefrom. The support member includes a mesh portion formed with a plurality of openings that together form a open area that constitutes a major portion of the support area of the support member. The rescue apparatus is flexible, foldable, and collapsible, and may be stored during periods of non-use in a flexible container. The rescue apparatus is used by positioning it underneath a person such that the rescue apparatus underlies and at least partially wraps around the person being rescued. The handles are then lifted, allowing water or debris to drain or fall away from the person being rescued to reduce the lifting effort required.

Abstract: An emergency inflatable spinal support device configured for use with a rigid backboard includes an inflatable bladder configured to be removable coupled to the backboard to conform to spaces between the backboard and the patient. Straps can be attached to the bladder to removable couple the bladder to the backboard. The inflatable bladder is expandable and collapsible between a first, uninflated configuration, and a second, inflated configuration. The bladder includes a lower surface to abut to the backboard, and an upper surface to conform to a patient's body. The upper surface may be concave when inflated. The bladder may include a plurality of elongated sections, including inner and outer sections with different heights. The bladder may be foldable and unfoldable between an initial, folded configuration, and a subsequent, unfolded configuration. A method for utilizing the bladder includes removably securing the bladder to the backboard. The patient is placed on the bladder, and the bladder inflated.

Abstract: A reclinable ambulance cot used to load a patient into the back of an ambulance is provided. The cot includes a wheeled collapsible undercarriage carrying an articulated bed frame comprised of a leg segment, seat segment, and wheeled back segment. The articulated bed frame may be moved between an inclined, fully-reclined position, a chair position, and a plurality of positions therebetween. A lockable biasing device assists in the transition by urging the bed frame segments from the chair position to the fully-reclined position. The back segment further includes a pair of loading wheels at the ends of side extensions such that when the cot is in the inclined, fully-reclined position the loading wheels are at height sufficient to facilitate loading the reclined cot into the back of an ambulance, and in particular, into the back of an ambulance having a high transport deck.

Abstract: A wheeled dolly assembly for a patient carrier device has a box frame with a foldable footrest. Interchangeable wheels are mounted to an axle to facilitate rapid and easy movement of the dolly when a patient is strapped onto the patient carrier. The patient carrier device, such as a backboard, is retained in the box frame with adjustable pressure plates. Optional handles are mounted to the backboard through slots pre-formed in the backboard.

Abstract: A head stabilizer for a patient support backboard comprising a pair of slotted retainers extending laterally across the top of the backboard, and a pair of hinged head restraint units with projections for reception in the retainer slots to selectively position these units apart from each other laterally of the backboard. The head restraint units are removable for cleaning and may be folded up for storage on the backboard between the retainers.

Abstract: A vehicular seat for use in extracting a driver from a vehicle driver compartment of, for example, a racing vehicle. The seat includes a shell having a seat bottom and seat back. The seat further includes a securing strap for securing the driver to the seat. A plurality of receptacles are attached to the seat and are adapted to receive a lifting member, such as a plurality of straps. To extract the seat from the driver compartment the driver is secured to the seat by the securing strap. The lifting member is then secured to the seat. The lifting member is then raised to simultaneously extract the driver and seat from out of the driver compartment.

Abstract: An isolation apparatus for the transport of a patient who is potentially infectious, who has been subjected to chemical or biological agents or who is threatened by chemical/biological attack. The invention comprises a transparent or semi-transparent, generally tubular enclosure, having two opposite ends. Secured to each of the two opposite ends of this transparent or semi-transparent, tubular enclosure are a pair of end walls. At least one semi-rigid support band extends around a portion of the outer periphery of the generally tubular enclosure. A base mat assembly, comprising at least a first flexible, flat sheet having a top side and a bottom side, is also a part of the invention. The top side of this first flat sheet is secured to the generally tubular enclosure. The bottom side of this sheet is secured to at least one reinforcing strap. Each of these one or more reinforcing straps has lateral ends, and the lateral ends of these straps are formed into loops.

Abstract: The foldable carrier comprises first elongate flexible layers that has a first thickness with longitudinal opposite side edges. A second elongate layer is made of a porous soft material that has a second thickness and is secured to the first elongate flexible layer. The second thickness is substantially greater than the first thickness. A first stretcher side section is secured to a first carrier layer and is pivotally attached to one of the side edges of the first elongate flexible layer. The first stretcher side section is movable between an expanded position and a folded position so that the first carrier layer is movable towards the first elongate flexible layer to face the first elongate flexible layer when the first stretcher side section is in the folded position. The first elongate layer and the first carrier layer form a continuous uninterrupted surface attached to the second elongate flexible layer and the first stretcher side section.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) operable as both a vestment (22) and a litter (24) is provided. The apparatus (20) has a flexible back panel (26) serving as a back (28) for the vestment (22) and as a bed (30) for the litter (24). A front (40) of the vestment (22) is made up of a flexible left front panel (42), a flexible right front panel (44), and a fastener (46). The apparatus (20) includes a pair of sectioned support poles (54). When the apparatus (20) is configured as a litter (24), a cross member (58) is removably coupled between the support poles (54), and a support device (112) supports the bed (30) of the litter (24) from the support poles (54). A safety strap (60) secures a victim (124) to the bed (30) for transport.

Abstract: A portable cart, for use in camping, hunting and other outdoors activities carries canoes, small boats, game, injured parties or hauled cargo by hand. The portable cart can be converted to a canoe or boat cart which can be folded down and transported within the canoe or boat, or to a game cart for transporting game over long, rough terrain, or to a cargo hauling gear cart, all of which can broken down into a carrying position, by hand or by back. The portable cart can be carried by hand or as a backpack over rough terrain. Its width can be varied to accommodate watercraft of varying widths. The cart has optional removable clamps for clamping a conventional transportable carrier, such as a stretcher or stokes-type rescue carrier bed, thereto. Another optional bicycle pull clamp includes an anti-tipping attachment resisting centrifugal force urging said cart to tip over during a directional turn of the cart-hauling bicycle.

Abstract: A lightweight device for transporting a patient under emergency conditions is provided. The invention patient transport device comprises a substantially rectangular sheet with at least two spaced apart lengthwise reinforcing members attached along at least the mid- portion of the length of the sheet, at least two spaced apart crosswise reinforcing members attached to the sheet and to the lengthwise reinforcing members, and weight-bearing handles attached to the crosswise reinforcing members. The invention device, which is optionally disposable, is adapted to bear the full weight of a patient lying on the sheet when the sheet is lifted by the handles and is particularly well suited to removing injured individuals or animals from an accident site and for placement onto a gurney or other means of patient transport.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations is provided.

Abstract: A disposable backboard for carrying a patient is formed from a folded blank. The blank is stored flat and can be folded to form the backboard. The backboard has a planar center panel and a pair of tubular shaped strengthening support members extending along the bottom face of the center panel adjacent the longitudinal side edges. The strengthening support members have a substantially triangular-shaped cross-section and extend the length of the center panel. A support panel is connected to each of the strengthening members and are positioned along the bottom face of the center panel. The support panels are generally attached to the center panel to further strengthen the backboard.

Abstract: The rescue device comprises a first sheet member and two second sheet members that are disposed on each side of the first sheet member. The second sheet members are angled relative to the first sheet member to define an angle alpha. The rescue device has a plurality of carrying means enabling the device to be carried. The first and second sheet members each has a stable first sheet and a resilient and thermally insulating second sheet that has closed pores and a third sheet that is disposed adjacent ot the second sheet.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a padded and thermally insulated patient carrier/rescue stretcher, with an outer surface of fairly stiff plastic or similar with good sliding and wear properties. The stretcher has transverse grooves (4) and longitudinal grooves (2) acting as hinges permitting the stretcher and its sides to be folded. In the sides there are carrying openings (7) and tubular carrying handles (8). The sides are supported by tubes (6) of metal or reinforced plastic, supporting the grooves (5) along the edge, and pushed into the tubular carrying handles (8).

Abstract: An extendable hand control for a stretcher undercarriage (10) which has height adjustable legs (11, 12). It comprises a handle (19) fitted to an end of a tube (20), slidable within an undercarriage frame member (21). The handle has an associated lever (15) which operates a control cable (14) for adjusting the height of the height adjustable legs (11, 12) . The arrangement includes a locking bar (26) within the slidable tube (20) which sets the maximum extendable position of the handle and the fully retractable position of the handle.

Abstract: A flexible patient transporter including an oblong PVC fabric sheet having two substantially parallel side edges and two substantially curved end edges. An edge reinforcing web is attached to the sheet with monofilament stitching so that it extends substantially around all edges of the sheet. A pair of end handles is attached to each of the curved end edges of the sheet and a plurality of side handles attached to the side edges of the sheet. Each of the handles is equally spaced around the perimeter of the sheet and includes a PVC tube with a strap extending through the tube and attached at each end to an edge of said sheet. A loop is attached near an apex of at least one of the end edges, and at least one fastener, is secured to each of the side edges of the sheet, said fasteners being adapted to be releasably secured to at least one of the loops, to thereby form a foot pocket at an end of the sheet, which pocket would prevent a patient from sliding out of the transporter.

Abstract: A spine board for use in supporting a patient during emergency medical treatment comprising a pair of board joined together by a hinge. The hinge is provided with a latch which allows the board to be rigidly locked in a flat condition so as to provide rigid support for a patient receiving CPR or other treatment.

Abstract: This invention relates to rescue boards that are constructed of several individual pieces. Such structures of this type, generally, allow the rescue personnel to extricate an unconscious or injured person from a confined space through a small opening and onto a backboard for transport to a medical facility.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation device comprises a tough fabric panel longer than a large human adult and wide enough to be wrapped around such a person. A pouch on the foot end of the device receives the person's feet. A strap adjacent the foot end of the device ties the person's feet together in an upright position so the feet do not splay apart and snag on an obstruction when the device is moved. Transverse straps wrap the panel about the individual and, at the head end of the panel, preferably are crossed to pull the person's shoulders downwardly and inwardly thereby making the person's shoulders less apt to snag on an obstruction when the device is pulled along an underlying surface.

Abstract: An emergency spinal immobilization and extrication device permits a victim of spinal column trauma to be firmly supported and immobilized for transportation to a health care facility. The device comprises a container filled with a multiplicity of small, resilient particles resting on a light-weight, rigid base-board, and having a sliding rigid cover. The container comprises means for inflating with gas and deflating. In operation the victim is placed on the cover and restrained at the ankles. As the cover is removed by sliding, the victim descends onto the container. The container is then deflated, leaving the victim supported by the particles which cling together as the gas is evacuated.

Abstract: A backboard immobilization device is provided. The device includes first and second complimentary body support panels which are detachably interconnected at each end by a lock. Each lock has a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end disposed within the first body support panel and a second end extending therefrom. The second end is tapered and has a locking pin. The second tube has a first end disposed within the second body support panel and a second end extending therefrom. The second end has a retracting sleeve wherein the retracting sleeve is slidably connected to the tapered end of the first tube and interlocks with the locking pin.

Abstract: A rescue carrier device including a generally pear shaped sheet member. The sheet member is formed of a heat resistant material and adapted for receiving an immobile body. The sheet member has a front side and a back side. The sheet member has a left peripheral edge, a right peripheral edge, a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge. Also, a pair of support strips are attached to the front side of the sheet member. An elongated securing harness is fixedly attached to the front side of the sheet member in a continuous fashion so as to be adjacent the right peripheral edge and the left peripheral edge. An upper body restraining means is stitchedly attached juxtapose the front side of the sheet member. The upper body restraining means has a first end with a female coupling member and a second end with a male coupling member for coupling with the female coupling member. A pair of short straps are provided and form a left strap and a right strap.

Abstract: A scoop type patient carrier having separable halves to facilitate placement of the halves beneath a patient, and configured to enable radiographic examination. The joint between the halves, and the points where the pivot and latch mechanisms are located, are laterally offset from the midline or longitudinal centerline of the assembled carrier. This arrangement results in the absence of any joint or line of separation in the upper and lower sections that are aligned with the carrier centerline, and which support the head and feet. This enables the carrier halves to be joined or separated without any accompanying movement of the head and feet of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to rescue boards that are constructed of several individual pieces. Such structures of this type, generally, allow the rescue personnel to extricate an unconscious or injured person from a confined space through a small opening and onto a backboard for transport to a medical facility.

Abstract: A stretcher for moving, particularly in narrow spaces, injured and sick persons is constructed with a minimum of fastening elements, and with advantageously located hand holds. A flexible sheet material has a first portion with a width greater than a patient's breast area and a second portion with a width greater than a patient's leg area, but less than the breast area portion. At least one bottom stiffener is attached to the sheet, and reinforcing straps are attached to the bottom surface of the sheet. Longitudinal support elements (preferably with stiffeners) are connected along the longitudinal edges of the sheet, and fastening straps (as least some of which are adjustable) extend between the longitudinal straps and the longitudinal support elements. A minimum number of fasteners extend from the longitudinal support elements to be connected together and thereby hold the sheet wrapped around the person.

Abstract: A flexible stretcher (100) and a tubular carrying case (170) are included in a stretcher system (10). Flexible stretcher (100) is formed by a pliant body member (102) having a head support portion (104), a torso support portion (110) and a leg support portion (106). The torso support portion includes a stiffened section (112) disposed between a pair of flexible side sections (114, 116). The stiffened section (112) includes three pockets (118, 122 and 126), each pocket having a respective stiffening member (120, 124 and 128) disposed therein. The three pockets (118, 122 and 126) are provided with a detachable closure (155) through which any of the slats (120, 124 and 128) may be replaced. Detachable closure (155) is formed by a pair of complementary hook-and-loop type fastening elements (158 and 160).

Abstract: This stretcher allows the removal of a person from an area contaminated with hazardous materials, decontamination of the person and stretcher, and further transportation of the person to medical facilities, without removing the person from the stretcher. The stretcher is constructed of materials which are resistant to or protected from hazardous material and weathering, and in particular, the stretcher bed is constructed using a large honeycomb web and mesh which allows decontamination of the patient while supported by the stretcher.

Abstract: A device for moving a disabled person that utilizes the substantially rectangular-shaped canvas lift sling of the Hoyer lift for safely transferring an individual a limited distance. The device for moving a disabled person includes two pair of hand grips. Each of the two pair of hand grips is removably hookable in each of the pair of spaced apart lift apertures of each of the pair of longitudinal edges of the substantially rectangular-shaped canvas lift sling of the Hoyer lift.

Abstract: A stretcher comprises an upper sheet and a lower sheet selectively joined together to form a plurality of transverse sleeves. In combination, a plurality of slats having a length greater than the transverse dimension of the sleeves are removably retainable within the transverse sleeves. The slats are provided at their end portions located outside said sleeves with handles to permit transporting of the stretcher. Alternatively, the stretcher comprises a sheet having on one of its surfaces strips (16) of hook and loop type elements, in combination with a plurality of slats that are longer than the width of the sheet. The slats have hook and loop type fasteners adapted to cooperate to removably attach the slats to the hook and loop type fastener strips on the sheet. The said slats have handles at their end portions, spaced from the edges of the sheet, to permit transporting of the stretcher.

Abstract: A disposable rescue mattress comprised of a mattress being comprised of an upper sheet and a lower sheet. The upper sheet and lower sheet are secured together along peripheral edges thereof to form an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges. The lower edge has an air intake valve extending therethrough into the inner surface of the mattress. The device also includes a blanket having an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges. The lower edge and two side edges are secured to the corresponding lower edge and two side edges of the mattress with the upper edge extending upwardly beyond the upper edge of the mattress.

Abstract: A system for transporting a person on a stretcher between upper and lower platforms connected by a stairway includes a retractable cable source located at the upper level whereby with one end of stretcher attached to the cable, an assistant to grasp the other end of the stretcher and transport the individual up or down the stairway with the cable providing tension to stabilize movement. Multiple stretchers may be located at either or both levels, in which case the retractable cable source provides sufficient tension to assist in pulling the stretcher up the stairway. In the preferred embodiment the retractable cable source includes a housing into which the cable retracts and a loaded spring disposed within the housing. Also in the preferred embodiment, the stretcher is sufficiently flexible to permit turning of the stretcher during transport.

Abstract: A patient carrying device comprising a seat panel connected to a back panel. The seat panel and back panel are preferably made of soft pliable fabric, and hingedly connected together to form a two-dimensional sling like patient carrying device.

Abstract: An undercarriage, particularly for stretchers, which has multi-height adjustment and does not need to be manually raised or lowered by the attendant when being loaded into, or unloaded from, an ambulance. The undercarriage includes a rectangular support structure, a wheeled height adjustable framework having first and second pairs of collapsible legs, and a height actuating mechanism. The height actuating mechanism comprises one or more ties connected to the first and second pairs of legs and to the support structure which are retractable or extendable so as to extend or collapse the first and second pairs of legs to thereby adjust the height of the support structure.

Abstract: Floating stretcher designed, in particular, for the recovery of injured persons at sea, of the type including a metallic framework (1) capable of being winched by a helicopter, supporting a panel (2) of composite material ensuring the buoyancy of the whole, characterized in that the panel (2) and the framework (1) are hinged (27, 6) in their median portion, so that the whole can be folded back on itself lengthwise.