A rescue device comprising: at least two collapsible columns (9, 11, 13, 15) defining a core section on which a subject lies during use, with each collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15) lying adjacent at least one other column (9, 11, 13, 15); and a plurality of linking elements, wherein each collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15) comprises: a plurality of rods; connection means (17, 19); and a plurality of sleeves; wherein each rod is located within at least one of the sleeves; the plurality of rods are connectable in series by the connection means (17, 19) to form a collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15); and each sleeve is connected to at least one other sleeve by attachment to at least one of the linking elements, the linking elements being arranged substantially perpendicularly to the collapsible columns (9, 11, 13, 15) and being flexible, some of the linking elements comprising an extension strap of non-rigid material that extends out from a side of the core section and being attached to quick release buckles to enable the subject to be carried to be secured into the rescue device during use; the rescue device further comprising handles for lifting the rescue device, the handles formed either by ends of linking elements or by extension straps being secured between two linking elements to form a loop that can be grasped. at least two collapsible columns (9, 11, 13, 15) defining a core section on which a subject lies during use, with each collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15) lying adjacent at least one other column (9, 11, 13, 15); and a plurality of linking elements, wherein each collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15) comprises: a plurality of rods; connection means (17, 19); and a plurality of sleeves; wherein each rod is located within at least one of the sleeves; the plurality of rods are connectable in series by the connection means (17, 19) to form a collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15); and each sleeve is connected to at least one other sleeve by attachment to at least one of the linking elements, the linking elements being arranged substantially perpendicularly to the collapsible columns (9, 11, 13, 15) and being flexible, some of the linking elements comprising an extension strap of non-rigid material that extends out from a side of the core section and being attached to quick release buckles to enable the subject to be carried to be secured into the rescue device during use; a plurality of rods; connection means (17, 19); and a plurality of sleeves; wherein each rod is located within at least one of the sleeves; the plurality of rods are connectable in series by the connection means (17, 19) to form a collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15); and each sleeve is connected to at least one other sleeve by attachment to at least one of the linking elements, the linking elements being arranged substantially perpendicularly to the collapsible columns (9, 11, 13, 15) and being flexible, some of the linking elements comprising an extension strap of non-rigid material that extends out from a side of the core section and being attached to quick release buckles to enable the subject to be carried to be secured into the rescue device during use; wherein each rod is located within at least one of the sleeves; the plurality of rods are connectable in series by the connection means (17, 19) to form a collapsible column (9, 11, 13, 15); and each sleeve is connected to at least one other sleeve by attachment to at least one of the linking elements, the linking elements being arranged substantially perpendicularly to the collapsible columns (9, 11, 13, 15) and being flexible, some of the linking elements comprising an extension strap of non-rigid material that extends out from a side of the core section and being attached to quick release buckles to enable the subject to be carried to be secured into the rescue device during use; the rescue device further comprising handles for lifting the rescue device, the handles formed either by ends of linking elements or by extension straps being secured between two linking elements to form a loop that can be grasped.