Patent Publication Number: US-2019192887-A1

Title: Assembly for extrication and rescue

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/970,137 filed May 3, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/608,867 filed Dec. 21, 2017, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to systems, assemblies and methods for extrication and rescue. In particular, this disclosure relates to a wearable assembly having deployable implements for securing a distressed or disabled person to a wearer of the assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Those employed in firefighting, law enforcement, military entities and other similar professions can be put in harm&#39;s way by the very nature of their occupation. In many cases, these people train to be prepared for emergency situations which may involve self-extrication or the extrication of others, including co-workers. 
     For example, firefighters frequently train to be efficient in rescue operations for a range of circumstances, including extricating persons from vehicles, dwellings, businesses and other situations. A variety of equipment is available to rescue personnel to both protect the patient and aid rescuers in rapidly and efficiently removing persons from danger. A need still exists, however, for wearable, low-profile rescue equipment capable of providing rescue resources for a wide variety of circumstances 
     The world has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of so-called ‘active shooter’ scenarios where one or more assailants attempt to maximize casualties in civilian settings. The sequence of events in such scenarios is tragically similar: one or more gunmen enter a building or venue and begin to inflict harm against as many people as possible, often choosing targets at random. Law enforcement and rescue personnel must work through an initial period of chaos where, simultaneously an evacuation may be underway, the assailants must be identified and neutralized, and rescue of those injured must be initiated. 
     In many jurisdictions, the responsibility of law enforcement and rescue are split between police and fire/rescue agencies, respectively. In many active shooter scenarios, law enforcement agencies (police, SWAT teams, National Guard, etc.) are focused on neutralizing the person or persons inflicting harm, while paramedics, fire fighters, EMT&#39;s, etc. assume responsibility for victim treatment. 
     It can be increasingly dangerous for personnel of any one agency to assume dual responsibility of both threat neutralization and victim search and recovery. For example, if a SWAT team member encounters a viable victim during a search for the perpetrator, that officer increases his own risk of being injured if he must use his hands to drag the victim to a safe location. In such a scenario, the officer would likely holster his weapon to be able to drag the victim, thus exposing himself to danger if the perpetrator is encountered. 
     WO2016/166606 discloses a rescue assembly for rapid extrication of a victim from a dangerous environment. The rescue assembly includes a wearable base member and a rescue strap deployable therefrom. The rescue strap extends outwardly from the base member allowing a rescuer to form a secure connection to a rescuee for extrication. Keeper assemblies cooperatively retain the rescue strap within the base member until deployed by the rescuer and a release assembly provides the ability to quickly release the rescue strap from the base member if desired by the rescuer. 
     SUMMARY 
     Improvements to the rescue assembly of WO2016/166606 are shown and described here. 
     An aspect of the invention includes A tactical extrication and rescue assembly including a base member including opposite longitudinal ends, said base member comprising at least one mounting element for securing said base member to an article of clothing or gear; a quick de-coupling mechanism; a rescue strap releasably secured to the base member via the quick de-coupling mechanism at one of the opposite longitudinal ends of the base, the first and second end portions including respective first and second connection members; wherein said base member is configured to contain said rescue strap in a pre-deployed configuration wherein left and right end portions of said rescue strap extend exteriorly from said base member to form graspable handle members for deploying said rescue strap, said quick de-coupling mechanism at the longitudinal end base ensures that the quick de-coupling mechanism falls out of the side of the base during use so that a rescuer can easily and readily locate and operate the quick de-coupling mechanism in an emergency, allowing the rescuer to quickly de-couple the rescue strap from the base and, thereby, the rescuer. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above includes one or more of the following: the quick de-coupling mechanism includes a snap shackle, a release mechanism, and a pull cord to operate the quick de-coupling mechanism; the left and right end portions of said rescue strap are not fastened into the ends of the base, making the rescue strap quick and easy to deploy in an emergency; the base includes an exterior and the rescue strap includes left and right wings portions that are detachable and attachable to the exterior of the base; the base includes an exterior and the left and right end portions of the rescue strap include left and right wing portions that are detachable and attachable to the exterior of the base; the left and right wing portions extend exteriorly from said base member to form graspable handle members for deploying said rescue strap; the tactical extrication and rescue assembly is integrated into one or more of clothing, gear, and other items worn by law enforcement, firefighters, military personnel, and others; the tactical extrication and rescue assembly is integrated into a backpack; the tactical extrication and rescue assembly is integrated into a gun belt; and/or the base member is configured to be attached to MOLLE or ALICE equipment or an SCBA assembly. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves a method of packing the tactical extrication and rescue assembly of the aspect of the invention described above. The method includes the steps of providing the base in an open position, the base including a flap extending laterally outward from the base; bunching the rescue strap together; placing the bunched rescue strap in the open base with the left and right end portions extending out of the longitudinal ends of the base; placing the flap over the bunched rescue strap; and rolling the base with flap over the bunched rescue strap like rolling a burrito. 
     An additional aspect of the invention involves a tactical extrication and rescue assembly comprising a base member having at least one mounting element for securing said base member to an article of clothing or gear; and a rescue strap releasably secured to and storable within the base member, the rescue strap including left and right end portions each including a graspable handle member, an end strap segment with a couple member, and a deployment and attachment mechanism that allows the graspable handle member and the end segment to be attached and deployed adjacent to one another when the rescue strap is deployed from the tactical extrication and rescue assembly, enabling the couple members to be adjacent to the rescuer&#39;s hands for quicker and easier coupling of the coupling members so that a secure connection to a rescuee is formed for extrication and rescue. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above including one or more of the following: he coupling members include one or more of a snap shackle, a loop, and a carabiner; the base includes a recess that the rescue strap is storable within and a protective flap that covers the base, the protective flap having a pull tab; the rescue strap includes a proximal end, and at least one of the base and the proximal end includes a modular attachment member to attach the proximal end of the rescue strap to base; the base includes one or more attachment mechanisms to couple the base to one or more of a tactical vest, a firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), firefighter turn-out jacket, MOLLE assembly, belt, and other gear; the one or more attachment mechanisms include a strap; the one or more attachment mechanisms include at least one of hook fasteners and loop fasteners; the one or more attachment mechanisms include at least one magnet; the one or more attachment mechanisms include a modular attachment member; one or more snap connectors to releasably secure the graspable handle members to the base; and/or hook and loop fasteners to releasably secure the graspable handle members to the base. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves a method of using the tactical extrication and rescue assembly of the aspect of the invention or one or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above, comprising: storing the rescue strap in the base member when not in use; and deploying the rescue strap from the base member by grasping the handle members of the left and right end portions of the rescue strap and pulling the rescue strap out of the base member so that the graspable handle member and the end segment are attached to one another and deployed adjacent one another when the rescue strap is deployed, enabling the couple members to be adjacent to the rescuer&#39;s hands for quicker and easier coupling of the coupling members so that a secure connection to a rescuee is formed for extrication and rescue. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear-side view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front-side view of the TERA shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view showing internal components of the TERA of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a magnified view of internal components of the TERA of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows the TERA of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 6  shows the TERA of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration with the rescue strap shown slightly extended/deployed; 
         FIG. 7  shows the TERA of  FIG. 1  in an open configuration with the rescue strap shown more extended/deployed compared to  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows an enlarged view of a snap shackle in a locked condition for securing the rescue strap to the base; 
         FIG. 9  shows an enlarged view of the snap shackle in an unlocked condition for quick release of the rescue strap from the base; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exemplary use of the TERA for rapid extrication of a victim; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a TERA integrated into a backpack, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a TERA integrated into a gun belt, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), according to a further embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear-side view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), and shows an embodiment of an attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 16  is a rear-side view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), and shows another embodiment of an attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear-side view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), and shows an additional embodiment of an attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear-side view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), and shows an additional embodiment of a strap attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), and shows an additional embodiment of deployment and attachment mechanism; 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA), similar to  FIG. 19 , and shows the deployment and attachment mechanism of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In general, a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (hereinafter ‘TERA’) is described. As will be apparent from the figures and description that follow, a TERA can be used by law enforcement, military, fire, ambulance or other personnel of similar professions to aid in the extrication of victims from a dangerous environment. In particular, TERAs of the type described herein allow a wearer to rapidly remove a victim from a dangerous environment while keeping the wearer&#39;s hands free to hold a weapon for providing cover or returning gunfire (in, e.g., police or military applications), for stability in low- or no-visibility environments (e.g., in firefighting applications) or any other purpose. In particular, a TERA provides the capability of a ‘hands-free’ removal of persons from a variety of dangerous environments, e.g., hostage or active-shooter situations, fires, IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) environments and others. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , rear and front sides of a TERA  100  are shown, respectively, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the TERA  100  includes a base  101  made from a flexible, resilient fabric such as Nylon, although other fabrics and materials can be substituted as desired to meet design, functionality, weight, moisture repellency, camouflage or other considerations. In this embodiment, the front side of the base  101  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) includes pouch attachment ladder system (PALS) webbing  105  to enable the TERA  100  to be attached to various types of modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) gear and other tactical equipment used by, e.g., police, military, EMS and firefighting personnel. PALS webbing  105  is one of many options that can be used to attach TERA  100  to various equipment; other options include, but are not limited to: snaps, buckles and ties. In an alternative embodiment, TERA  100  can be integrally attached to equipment, clothing, gear, backpacks, gun belts, or other wearables through stitching or other approaches. 
     TERAs of the type described herein are generally configured to be worn by a wearer (e.g., a police officer, SWAT officer, firefighter or soldier) in a compact, pre-deployed configuration, illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , out of the way of other tools, garments or other gear until a rescue or extrication is to be performed. 
     In this embodiment, base  101  is configured to retain most of the person-to-person coupling implements of the TERA, such as straps, buckles and the like as described herein, neatly and securely stored in a pre-deployed configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  until rescue or extrication is to be performed. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate rear and front sides respectively of TERA  100  in an assembled, pre-deployed configuration. In this embodiment, left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members are formed from end portions of a continuous length of rescue strap  110  ( FIG. 3 ). In the pre-deployed configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members extend beyond the left and right sides of the base  101  as shown. The left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members and rear  111  of the base  101  include hook-and-loop fastening material such as those sold under the VELCRO® brand (Velcro Industries, Manchester, N.H.)  113   a ,  113   b  to secure the left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members to the base  101  when not in use. The left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members may be pulled out for pre-deployment as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In use, the TERA  100  can be attached to, e.g., a MOLLE vest, such that the side  102  of the TERA  100  faces towards the wearer&#39;s body. In the assembled, pre-deployed configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base  101  is folded together as to substantially encapsulate the rescue strap  110  there within with the exception of left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, hook-and-loop fastener components are configured to releasably secure the base  101  in the pre-deployed configuration. In this embodiment, a length of hook/loop material  106  is disposed along a top edge of the base  101  and a length of loop/hook material (not shown) is disposed along the bottom edge of the base  101  on an opposite side. Also, a flap  116  is attached to an inside of the base  101 . In use, to re-package/re-install the TERA  100 , the strap  110  and carabineer-type coupler  112 /snap shackle  114  are bunched and/or folded into the configuration shown in  FIG. 3  along the inside of the base  101 , flap  116  is then disposed over the strap  110  and carabineer-type coupler  112 /snap shackle  114 . Then, the base  101  is rolled together, like rolling a burrito, by rolling low portion  123  over the flap  116 , the strap  110  and carabineer-type coupler  112 /snap shackle  114 , and is continued to roll until the hook/loop material  106  disposed along the top edge of the base  101  is aligned with the loop/hook material (not shown) on the bottom edge of the base  101  (on an opposite side). The edges of the base  101  are then secured together with the hook/loop material, and the left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members are fastened via the hook-and-loop fastening material  113   a ,  113   b  to the rear  111  of the base  101  to secure the left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members to the base  101  when not in use. The base  101  of the TERA  100  can be opened easily by unfastening the hook-and-loop fastening material of the base to access the rescue strap  110  for inspection, re-packing or to perform other actions. 
     Tactical maneuvers performed by, e.g., police, SWAT, EMS, military and firefighting personnel are sometimes physically dynamic and demanding. As one will appreciate, it is generally important that, e.g., police officers&#39; and firefighters&#39; gear not become semi- or completely dislodged when running, climbing, engaging suspects in a physical confrontation or performing other maneuvers. Therefore, in this and other embodiments, base  101  is configured to securely retain rescue strap  110  until it is purposefully deployed as described below. In this embodiment, securement of the left  103  and right  104  graspable handle members of rescue strap  110  along the base  101  is accomplished using the hook-and-loop fastening components  113   a ,  113   b . With the  103  and left  104  graspable handle members/wings of rescue strap  110  extending out of the base  101  and are attached to the outside of the base  101 , the rescue strap  110  is more easily gripped and deployed by the rescuer. Other approaches and materials can be substituted according to preference or the type of physical activity that the wearer may be required to perform, such as through the use of buttons, snaps, ties or other approaches. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the rescue strap  110  folded within the base  101  and the carabineer-type coupler  112  extending therefrom from one portion of the rescue strap  110 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the interior of base  101  laid flat, in a fully opened and un-folded configuration showing the flap  116  open and another portion of the rescue strap  110  with snap shackle  114 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the TERA  100  in an open configuration with the portions of the rescue strap  110  shown slightly extended/deployed. 
       FIG. 7  shows the TERA  100  in an open configuration with the portions of the rescue strap  110  shown more extended/deployed compared to  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6-8 , ends of the portions of the rescue strap  110  opposite of the carabineer-type coupler  112  and the snap shackle  114  include loops  117  that are releasably attached to snap shackle  118 , which is disposed at a longitudinal end  119  of the base  101 . Snap shackle  118  includes a release mechanism  120  (release pin  121  coupled to release pull cord  122  for quick de-coupling of the portions of the rescue strap  110  from the base  101 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Although, snap shackle  118 , release pin  121 , release pull cord  122  are shown as an exemplary quick de-coupling mechanism for quickly de-coupling the rescue strap  110  from the base  101 , in alternative embodiments, other types of quick de-coupling mechanisms may be provided for this purpose. It is advantageous to locate the quick de-coupling mechanism (e.g., snap shackle  118  and release mechanism  120 ) at the longitudinal end  119  of the base  101  to ensure that the quick de-coupling mechanism falls out of the side of the base  101  during use so that the rescuer can easily and readily locate the pull cord  122  and operate the quick de-coupling mechanism in an emergency. The quick de-coupling mechanism allows the rescuer to quickly de-couple the rescue strap  110  from the base  101  and, thereby, the rescuer. Such functionality can be beneficial, for example, in cases where a rescuer has extricated a rescuee from a dangerous environment, but needs to quickly decouple from the rescuee to perform additional rescue functions, search for suspects, provide medical attention to the rescuee or perform other actions. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the TERA  100  can be configured to be coupled to gear or clothing such that it can be worn on a user&#39;s back, where it is substantially out of the way of other wearable tactical components. In such an embodiment, the rescue strap  110  can be of sufficient length that it may be extended around the torso of the rescuer and the rescuee as described in greater detail below and shown, e.g., in  FIG. 10 . 
     Each of right  152  and left  154  end portions of the rescue strap  110  can include a coupling member so that the rescue strap  110  can be reversibly coupled to form a substantially continuous loop around the rescuer and the rescuee as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 10 .  FIGS. 4-7 and 10  show an exemplary carabineer-type coupler  112  engaged to a right end portion  152  and a snap shackle  114  engaged to the right end portion  154 . Each coupler can be engaged to the right  152  or left  154  end portion via, e.g., a position-adjustable slide, buckle, or other hardware. Snap shackle  114 , which is similar to snap shackle  118  described above, includes a release handle attached to a release pin, which is coupled to a release pull cord  122 , for quick de-coupling of right  152  and right  154  end portions of rescue strap  110 . It should be understood that the carabineer-type coupler  112  and snap shackle  114  are two of many different types of coupling mechanisms that can be used for coupling right  152  and left  154  end portions together to form a substantially continuous loop of the rescue strap  110 . Other couplers, fasteners and similar hardware can be substituted according to preference. 
     Similarly, the coupling members need not necessarily be configured to form a loop of the rescue strap  110 . In other approaches, the length of the rescue strap  110  and the coupling hardware used can be configured for direct attachment onto clothing or gear of a rescuee. For example, a carabineer-type coupler  112  can be positioned on both the right  152  and left  154  end portions so that each end of the rescue strap  110  can be attached to a connection member on a tactical vest, firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bracket, firefighter turn-out jacket, MOLLE assembly, belt or other gear. 
     In this embodiment, rescue strap  110  is of sufficient length so as to allow the rescuer to couple each end portion of the belt around a rescuee, e.g., around the torso, and further configured to provide a terminal end portion (graspable handle member/wing  103  or  104 , or both) that the rescuer can grip and pull to tighten rescue strap  110  around himself and the rescuee. This allows the rescuer to provide a close body-to-body tandem connection which can, in turn, provide additional stability when extricating the rescuee by minimizing ‘swing’ between the two persons. When the TERA  100  is worn around the lower back, e.g., above the hips, the connection provides a low center-of-gravity that can reduce back injuries that otherwise may occur when a rescuer extricates a rescuee using his arm and upper body muscles. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , TERA  100  is illustrated in an operable rescue/extrication configuration, being worn by a rescuer; in this example, a SWAT team member. In this example, TERA  100  is attached to the rescuer&#39;s MOLLE vest using PALS webbing as previously described (not illustrated). The rescuer has deployed right  152  and left  154  portions of rescue strap from base  101 , extended them about the victim&#39;s upper torso and coupled the end portions together by engaging carabineer  112  with snap shackle  114 . The coupling mechanisms of rescue strap  110 , e.g., carabineer  112  and snap shackle  114 , can be preferably attached medially to the victim, e.g., near the sternum so that the end portions can be uncoupled without encumbrance when desired. The rearward broken-line arrows in  FIG. 10  indicate a direction of travel that the rescuer may take when performing extrication of the victim from a hostile or otherwise unsafe environment. By walking backwards, the rescuer can maintain optimal balance, use his weight to aid in pulling the victim (by leaning backwards and maximize leg muscle usage to avoid back injury. Furthermore, the extrication posture exemplified in  FIG. 10  allows the rescuer to have his hands free, in this case, to provide weapons cover for himself and the victim. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates several features and advantages of the TERA  100 . For example, the TERA  100  elevates the rescuee&#39;s body so that drag is minimized, which can reduce the effort required of the rescuer. In this example, only the feet of the victim touch the ground, thereby producing minimal drag. In another aspect, the rescuer may stand up straight and/or lean backwards while supporting the rescuee, which results in a proper center of gravity and thereby a more stable stance. In yet another aspect, the rescuer&#39;s hands are free, in this example to provide cover for himself and the rescuee, or to provide return fire if the pair are under attack. The rescuer is also free to use his hands for stability, to brace or lift himself, or perform any other act or motion requiring free hands while performing rescue. In yet another aspect, using the TERA  100  and the leverage provided by his body weight, the rescuer can perform rapid extrication of victims without the aid of a partner. 
     Continuing with the example shown in  FIG. 10 , should the need arise, the rescuer can detach himself from the rescuee by grasping release strap  122  and pulling outwardly, away from base  101 . As described above, this action quickly results in right  152  and right  154  end portions decoupling from base  101 , which effectively decouples rescuer and rescuee. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , in this and other embodiments, TERA  100  can be integrated into various types of clothing, gear or other items worn by law enforcement, firefighters, military personnel, and others. For example,  FIG. 11  illustrates TERA  100  integrated into a backpack  160 . In this example, a portion of base  101  of TERA  100  can simply be slipped/disposed in lower backpack pocket  162  and/or stitched into position to the backpack  160 . In another example,  FIG. 12  illustrates TERA  100  integrated into a gun belt  170 . 
     Advantages of the TERA  100  over the rescue assembly of WO2016/166606 include, but are not limited to, the following. 
     The TERA  100  is quicker and easier to deploy because ends of the rescue strap  110  are not fastened into the ends of the base  101 . In contrast, with the right  103  and left  104  graspable handle members/wings of rescue strap  110  detachable/attachable to the outside of the base  101  and with the right  103  and left  104  graspable handle members/wings of rescue strap  110  extending out of the sides of the base  101 , the rescue strap  110  is more easily gripped and deployed by the rescuer. 
     The TERA  100  is much easier to pack compared to rescue assembly of WO2016/166606. Instead of having to carefully fold the rescue strap  110 , especially so that ends of the rescue strap  110  are in position for hook and loop fasteners at the end of the rescue strap  110  and at ends of the base match up, the rescue strap  110  can be quickly bunched together, placed in the open base  101  as shown in  FIG. 3  then the flap  116  is placed over the rescue strap  110  and the base  101  is quickly and easily rolled together, like rolling a burrito. 
     The snap shackle  118  and release mechanism  120  at the longitudinal end  119  of the base  101  of the TERA  100  ensures that the quick de-coupling mechanism falls out of the side of the base  101  during use so that the rescuer can easily and readily locate the pull cord  122  and operate the quick de-coupling mechanism in an emergency, allowing the rescuer to quickly de-couple the rescue strap  110  from the base  101  and, thereby, the rescuer. 
     The TERA  100  can be integrated into various types of clothing, gear or other items worn by law enforcement, firefighters, military personnel, and others such as, but not limited to backpack  160  ( FIG. 11 ), and gun belt  170  ( FIG. 12 ). 
     A number of illustrative embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments presented herein. For example, the length of the rescue straps, e.g., rescue straps  110  or  210  can be chosen as desired; relatedly, a TERA can be provided in various pre-configured sizes, e.g., small, medium or large to accommodate the size of the rescuer and the intended rescuees. Similarly, the width of the rescue strap can be chosen as desired. Flexible hook-and-loop fastening components have been described herein for the purpose of retaining the rescue strap  110 / 210  within base  101 / 201  and to keep the base  101  closed in a deployable configuration. However, it should be understood that any other type of fastening material, mechanism or component can be used as an alternative to accomplish the same or similar functionality. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , another embodiment of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA)  200  will be described. Similar elements to the TERA  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 , are shown and/or described with the same reference number, but include an “a” suffix. The description of the elements shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-12  are incorporated herein and will not be described in further detail. The TERA  200  includes a pouch  210  with a base  220  with at least one mounting element for securing the base member to an article of clothing or gear. The base includes a recess  230  and a protective flap  240  that covers the base  220 . The flap  240  has a pull tab  250 . The rescue strap  110   a  is normally carried in the recess  230  of the pouch  210 . During use, the flap  240  of the pouch  210  is opened and the rescue strap  110   a  is deployed and used in a manner similar to that shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 . The TERA  200  is much smaller and more compact than the TERA  100 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , a further embodiment of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA)  300  will be described. Similar elements to the TERAs  100 ,  200  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-13 , are shown and/or described with the same reference number, but include an “b” suffix. The description of the elements shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-13  are incorporated herein and will not be described in further detail. The TERA  300  includes an elongated pouch  310  with a base  320  with at least one mounting element for securing the base member to an article of clothing or gear. The base  320  includes a recess  330  and a protective flap  340  that covers the base  320 . The flap  340  has a pull tab  350 . The rescue strap  110   b  is normally carried in the recess  330  of the pouch  310 . The rescue strap  110   b  includes modular attachment members  360 ,  370 ,  380 ,  390 . Modular attachment members  360 ,  370  are used to attach proximal ends of the rescue strap  110   b  to connection members  392  at opposite ends of the pouch  310 . Modular attachment members  380 ,  390  attach to connections members  394  of right end portion  152   b  and left end portion  154   b  to attach right end portion  152   b  and left end portion  154   b  to the rest of the rescue strap  110   b . In the embodiment shown, right end portion  152   b  includes a loop  396  instead of snap shackle  114 . During use, the flap  340  of the pouch  310  is opened and the rescue strap  310   a  is deployed and used in a manner similar to that shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-13 . The modular attachment members  360 ,  370 ,  380 ,  390  allow the rescue strap  110   b  and/or the right end portion  152   b  and left end portion  154   b  to be easily attached/detached with respect to the rest of the TERA  300 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , a further embodiment of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA)  400  will be described. Similar elements to the TERAs  100 ,  200 ,  300  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-14 , are shown and/or described with the same reference number, but include a “c” suffix. The description of the elements shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-14  are incorporated herein and will not be described in further detail. The TERA  400  includes a base  410  that carries the rescue strap  110   b , which is used in a manner similar to that shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-14 . The base  410  includes one or more (e.g., a pair) attachment mechanisms  420  for attachment of the base  410  to a SCBA assembly (not shown) or other article of clothing or gear. In the embodiment shown, the attachment mechanisms  420  include straps  430  with hook and/or loop fastener strips  440  for attachment to hook and/or loop fastener strip(s) of the SCBA assembly to attach the TERA  400  to the SCBA assembly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , further embodiments of tactical extrication and rescue assemblies (TERAs)  500 ,  600  will be described. Similar elements to the TERAs  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-14 , are shown and/or described with the same reference number, but include a “d” suffix. The description of the elements shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-15  are incorporated herein and will not be described in further detail. The TERAs  500  include a base  510  that carries the rescue strap, which is used in a manner similar to that shown and described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-15 . The base  510  includes a pair of attachment mechanisms  520  for attachment of the base  510  to a SCBA assembly (not shown) or other article of clothing or gear. In the embodiment shown, the attachment mechanisms  520  include straps  530  with modular attachment members  540  similar to modular attachment members  360 ,  370 ,  380 ,  390  described above with respect to  FIG. 14 . The modular attachment members  540  attached connection members (not shown) of a SCBA assembly for attachment of the base  510  to the SCBA assembly or other article of clothing or gear. In the embodiment of the TERA  500  in  FIG. 16 , the attachment mechanisms  520  are inwardly/centrally disposed in a central section  550  of the base  510 . In the embodiment of the TERA  600  in  FIG. 17 , the attachment mechanisms  520  are laterally outward disposed in outer lateral sections  560 ,  570  of the base  510 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 18 , a further embodiment of a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA)  700  will be described. Similar elements to the TERAs  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-17 , are shown and/or described with the same reference number, but include a “e” suffix. The description of the elements shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-17  are incorporated herein and will not be described in further detail. The TERA  700  is similar to the TERA  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , but in addition to hook-and-loop fastening material  113   e ,  114   e  on left graspable handle member  103   e , right graspable handle member  104   e , and base  101   e , one or more snap connectors  710 ,  720  are added adjacent ends of hook-and-loop fastening material  113   e ,  114   e  of handle members  103   e ,  104   e , and base  101   e . The snap connectors  710 ,  720  help to additionally (in addition to hook-and-loop fastening material  113   e ,  114   e ) secure the handle members  103   e ,  104   e  to the base  101  when not in use. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , an embodiment of a deployment and attachment mechanism  800  for a tactical extrication and rescue assembly (TERA) will be described. Similar elements to the TERAs  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-18 , are shown and/or described with the same reference number, but include a “f” suffix. The description of the elements shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1-18  are incorporated herein and will not be described in further detail. In the deployment and attachment mechanism  800 , the graspable handle member  103   f  and end strap segment  810  of carabineer-type coupler/loop/snap shackle  114   f  include hook and/or loop fastener strips  820 ,  830 . Similarly, although not shown, the graspable handle member and end strap segment of snap shackle  114   f /loop  396  include similar hook and/or loop fastener strips. The hook and/or loop fastener strips  820 ,  830  allow the graspable handle member  103   f  and end segment  810  to be attached and deployed adjacent one another when the rescue strap  110   f  is deployed from the TERA. This way, the carabineer-type coupler/loop/snap shackle  114   f  is adjacent to the rescuer&#39;s hands for quicker/easier coupling of the carabineer-type coupler with loop/snap shackle  114   f  so that a secure connection to a rescuee is formed for extrication. 
     In alternative embodiments, the one or more attachment mechanisms of the TERAs shown and/or described herein include one or more magnets in addition to or instead of the one or more attachment mechanisms shown and/or described herein. 
     In further embodiments, the one or more TERAs are made of composite and/or laminates in addition to or instead of fabric. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosure, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosure. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present disclosure. 
     Although the disclosure is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosure, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. 
     The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. 
     As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples.