Patent ID: 12257462

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper/top”, “lower/bottom”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG.1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a rescue harness including a strap and a head-rest support panel adjustably coupled to the strap.

In some embodiments, a victim rescue and extraction harness is provided that enables an emergency worker to safely and/or more comfortably pull a victim from a site, as compared to existing arrangements. The rescue harness may include a fastener, such as, a carabiner which connects to, for example, a backpack, a belt, or a rear harness on the first responder/rescue personnel, enabling such first responder/rescue personnel to have free hands while moving/transporting the victim. The rescue harness itself may secure the victim under the victim's armpits and across the chest while also having a head-rest.

In some embodiments, the first responder/rescue personnel places the strap across the victim's chest and under their arms. The strap remains under the victim's armpits. The first responder/rescue personnel may slide the head-rest into place under the victim's head and the first responder/rescue personnel may then walk, crawl, or otherwise move away from the hazardous site pulling the victim and with his/her hands free and also be able to see where he/she is going.

In some embodiments, the strap and fastener (e.g., carabiner) allows the first responder/rescue personnel to exit the hazardous site facing forward instead of “backing out”. The head-rest lifts and stabilizes the head and neck of the victim. In some embodiments, this may be less harsh on the victim's body, while also allowing the responder/rescue personnel to see where they are going. Also, some embodiments may allow full use of the responder/rescue personnel's hands, which can be critical to survival in certain situations.

Some embodiments may provide a rescue harness that is physically easier on the responder/rescue personnel, as well as the victim. Some embodiments of the rescue harness may provide much faster victim extraction times, as compared to existing techniques. Some embodiments of the rescue harness may provide the responder/rescue personnel with a hands-free arrangement once the victim is attached to the rescue harness.

Some embodiments may provide a carabiner that is configured to and/or adapted to attach/fasten to air packs, duty belts, regular pants, etc. In some embodiments, the strap is configured to “cinch up” to be a one size fits all (or most). In some embodiments, the head-rest is configured to slide up and down along the strap for selective placement and then lock into place with pressure from the strap. In some embodiments, the rescue harness may include a D-ring fastener attached to the strap.

In some embodiments, a victim extraction tool is provided that allows for a single responder/rescue personnel to transport the victim more easily, faster, and safer than existing techniques. Some embodiments may provide a rescue harness that is safer for the victim and first responder because the first responder is able to move in a forward-facing direction and provides the first responder with full use of both hands. Whether crawling or walking, some embodiments of the victim extraction tool allow the first responder to be fully functional to fight a fire, use a weapon or use his/her hands for guidance or for other defense purposes. Some embodiments may provide a rescue harness that allows for quicker and safer extractions from a multitude of scenarios, while stabilizing/securing the victim's head and neck area.

Some embodiments provide a victim rescue and extraction harness that enables an emergency worker to pull the victim more safely and comfortably from a site, as compared to existing arrangements. The harness may include a carabineer, which connects to a backpack or rear harness, or other gear worn by the first responder, enabling the first responder to have free hands while transporting the victim. The harness itself secures the victim under the armpits and across the chest, while also providing a selectively adjustable headrest. In some embodiments, when in use, the structure of the harness is configured to support and/or maintain the head, neck and/or shoulders of the victim off of the ground.

Some embodiments may advantageously provide a rescue harness that is light-weight and compact. The first responder may not be required to also wear a harness. The victim may not be required to wear a bulky harness. Some embodiments may provide a built in D-ring at the center of the strap to permit a second victim to also be transported/evacuated. Some embodiments may provide a head-rest area so that the victim's head does not contact or bounce against the ground. Some embodiments may function well in a zero visibility area because it is attached to the first responder. Some embodiments may allow for maximum leveraging because, when deployed on the victim, the rescue harness is configured such that the pulling force is based on the first responder's leg strength. Some embodiments may allow first responders to reposition themselves more easily to selectively move in either a forward direction or a backward direction by simply placing their legs over the strap. Some embodiments may free up the first responder's hands for other purposes. Some embodiments may provide a rescue harness that can be attached at various locations to emergency/rescue equipment, such as, for example, to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) Some embodiments may include a rescue harness assembly including the rescue harness as well as a storage pouch, the storage pouch being selectively attachable to the first responder or more particularly to wearable equipment or garments on the first responder. In some embodiments, the rescue harness and/or the storage pouch may also be attached to a drag rescue device (DRD).

Having generally described some embodiments of the present invention, a more detailed description is provided below of an example rescue harness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring initially toFIGS.1-7, a rescue harness100, is illustrated in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown for instance inFIG.1, the rescue harness100includes a strap102, a first responder fastener104, a head-rest support panel106and a second fastener108. The strap102includes a first portion110and a second portion112.

The strap102may be a load-bearing strap. In some embodiments, the strap102may be configured to bear at least a 1000 pounds (lbs.) load. In some embodiments, the strap102may be configured to bear more or less than 1000 pounds but should preferably be configured to be able to bear at least the weight of an average-sized adult male.

In some embodiments, the strap102is formed of a flexible material that is rated for a target strength and durability for the particular rescue purposes. For example, in firefighting applications, the strap102may be formed of a flexible, 1″-2″ tubular webbing material that is formed of a flame-resistant material. In some embodiments, the strap102may be made of, for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated nylon, a vinyl-coated polyester, a two-way or four-way stretch nylon blend, a polyester mesh, or any other suitable strap material. The strap102is further preferably made of a washable material so that the rescue harness100can be washed for re-use with another victim.

In some embodiments, the strap102is a single-strap piece, i.e., unitary/continuous strap material. In some embodiments, the strap102is shaped as a closed loop, as shown inFIG.1for example. In other embodiments, the strap102may be shaped as an open loop (see e.g.,FIG.8). For example, the strap102may be a single elongated strap formed as an open loop by, for example, the head-rest support panel106, as shown inFIG.8. The size of the strap102is preferably configured to provide sufficient length to, when deployed in use, pull a victim on the ground, while also being able to fasten a portion of the strap102to the first responder (e.g., a rear portion of a belt, a backpack, or a wearable equipment disposed on the first responder).

The head-rest support panel106may be formed of a flexible material that is rated for a target strength and durability for the particular rescue purpose of supporting the victim's head. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106is sized, shaped, and configured to support a head and neck area of a victim to be rescued. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106may be made of a flame-resistant material. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106may be made of a washable material so that the rescue harness100can be washed for re-use with another victim.

In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106includes a length and a width defining a panel area configured to support/stabilize a head and a neck of a standard-sized victim being rescued/support by the rescue harness102. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106includes a length and a width defining a panel area configured to support/stabilize a head, a neck and shoulders of a standard-sized victim being rescued/support by the rescue harness100. In some embodiments, the standard-sized victim is an adult victim500, such as shown inFIG.5. Some embodiments may be sized to support a standard-sized child victim.

In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106may be trapezoidal shaped, as shown inFIG.5for example. In other embodiments, the head-rest support panel106may be formed as other shapes but is preferably sized and shaped and dimensioned (length and width) to define a panel area to support/stabilize at least a head and a neck area of a standard-sized victim.

The head-rest support panel106is adjustably coupled to the strap102to allow the first responder to selectively adjust a position of the head-rest support panel106along a length of the strap102, e.g., relative to the first responder fastener104. For example,FIG.4illustrates an example rescue harness100having the head-rest support panel106in a first position (left hand side) and then selectively adjusted to a second position (right hand side). In this manner, the first responder can selectively adjust the position (e.g., vertical position) of the head-rest support panel106along the length of the strap102to suit, for example, the first responder's preferred positioning of the victim relative to the first responder and/or for a size and a height of the particular victim being transported. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106is adjustably coupled to opposite sides of the strap102, as shown inFIG.1andFIG.8, for example. In this manner, the victim's head can be symmetrically supported by the head-rest support panel106.

In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106is removably coupled to the strap102. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106may be slidably removable from the strap102by decoupling absolute ends of the strap102from the head-rest support panel106. This may allow the head-rest support panel106to be switched out in order to be replaced with a new (or washed) head-rest support panel106, if, for example, the original head-rest support panel106becomes damaged, stained, or it is otherwise desired to switch out the head-rest support panel106for another one. For example,FIG.8shows an example rescue harness including an open-loop design for the strap. As can be seen inFIG.8, the fasteners can be removed and the head-rest support panel106can be entirely removed and separated from the strap.

In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106may include a first loop114and a second loop116. The first and second loops114,116may be disposed on (and/or defined by) opposite ends of the head-rest support panel106. The strap102may be slidably and/or adjustably received within the first and second loops114,116to selectively adjust a position of the head-rest support panel106along the elongated length of the strap102relative to, for example, the first responder fastener104. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel106is adjustable up and down selectively for placement/positioning of the victim's head and then the selected position is locked in place with the pressure on the strap102(see for exampleFIG.7where a weight of the victim applies pressure on the strap102and secures the position of the head-rest support panel106). In other embodiments, the head-rest support panel106may be coupled to the strap102in other configurations.

In some embodiments, the first responder fastener104may be coupled to the first portion110of the strap102, which may be considered a top portion of the strap102. The second fastener108may be coupled to the second portion112of the strap, which may be considered a bottom portion of the strap102.

The first responder fastener104may be selectively couplable to a garment, a belt and/or other wearable equipment worn by the first responder. In some embodiments, the first responder fastener104may be formed as a carabiner, as shown in the figures. In other embodiments, the first responder fastener104may be formed as a D-ring, loop, hook, buckle or any other type of known fastener or connector, but is preferably a quick-release fastener, such as the carabiner.

The first responder fastener104may be configured to provide at least one connection point of the rescue harness100to the first responder so that the first responder can pull or otherwise transport the victim with hands free. In some embodiments, the rescue harness100includes a single first responder fastener104, which provides a single corresponding connection point of the rescue harness100to the first responder (see for example,FIG.1). In other embodiments, the rescue harness100includes more than one first responder fastener104to provide more than one connection point. For example,FIG.8shown an embodiment including two first responder fasteners at opposite ends of the strap, where the two first responder fasteners are configured to provide two corresponding connection points of the rescue harness to the first responder.

FIG.6illustrates an example of the second fastener108coupled to the second (e.g., bottom) portion112of the strap102and which may be configured to, for example, provide an additional connection for additional victims. In some embodiments, the strap102may define a third loop, which may be sized and shaped to receive the second fastener108. In some embodiments, the second fastener108is a fastener that, when the rescue harness100is deployed on the victim, is disposed at a center of a portion of the strap102(seeFIG.5for example) across the victim's upper chest area in order to permit a second victim to also be evacuated. In some embodiments, the second fastener108is a carabiner or a D-ring. In other embodiments, the second fastener108may be a loop, a hook, a buckle or any other type of known fastener or connector.

In some embodiments, the second portion112of the strap102at which the second fastener108is disposed is arranged opposite the first portion110of the strap102at which the at first responder fastener104is connected. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the second fastener108is connected to a bottom portion of the strap102while the first responder fastener104is connected to a top portion of the strap102. In other embodiments, the fasteners may be connected at other parts of the strap102, but the first responder fastener104is connected at a portion of the strap102that preferably provides a connection point for the first responder, while the second fastener108is connected at a portion of the strap102that preferably provides a connection point for pulling a potential second victim.

Some embodiments of the rescue harness100may be provided as an assembly with the rescue harness100and a storage/transport pouch (not shown). The strap102may be a flexible strap and the head-rest support panel106may be made of a flexible material as well. The rescue harness100may be configured to be stored in the storage pouch by folding or rolling the flexible strap102and flexible head-rest support panel106and inserting the folded material into the storage pouch along with one or more of the fasteners104,108. The transport pouch may be attachable to at least one of a garment, a belt and/or a wearable equipment worn by the first responder. In this manner, a light-weight and/or compactable rescue harness assembly may be provided including the rescue harness100and a storage pouch sized and shaped to receive the rescue harness for convenient storage thereof and attachment to the first responder.

As particularly illustrated inFIGS.5and7, the rescue harness100is deployable by for example a first responder700by placing the second portion112of the strap102underneath both armpits of the victim500to cause the strap102to be disposed across an upper chest of the victim and placing the first portion110of the strap102over the victim's500head to secure the first responder fastener104to (e.g., a rear portion of) a garment, a belt and/or a wearable equipment worn by the first responder700transporting/moving the victim (e.g., in a forward-facing position of the first responder). The head-rest support panel106may be slid up and down along the strap102to select an optimal head-rest position for the victim500. In some embodiments, pressure from the victim's500weight may lock the head-rest support panel106in position and may tightly secure the strap102across the upper chest of the victim500. As shown inFIG.7, using the rescue harness100to transport the victim500, the first responder700is free to use both of his hands to actively fight the fire while also moving in a forward facing direction (instead of moving in a backwards direction or using his hands to hold the victim over his shoulder).

FIG.8illustrates a rescue harness200in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Reference numerals which correspond to like elements of the rescue harness100heretofore described with respect toFIGS.1-7are designated by the same reference numerals in the200-299series inFIG.8. The rescue harness200includes an open loop strap202, two first responder fasteners204aand204b, a head-rest support panel206and a second fastener208, in which the head-rest support panel206is slidably removable from the strap202and also includes a dual-connection point arrangement. A retainer ring210, such as a metal retainer ring, may be configured to couple the two portions of the strap202along with the head-rest support panel206in order to form the open loop arrangement as shown inFIG.8. As described above, the head-rest support panel206is removable because of the strap202being “split” or open, rather than closed as with the rescue harness100. This arrangement may allow first responders to obtain new head-rest supports when, for example, an original head-rest support panel106becomes stained with blood, or other bodily fluids.

In some embodiments, the strap202attaches to the first responder at two points of connection, instead of one, as with the rescue harness100. The strap202includes two absolute ends with, for example, 1″ flat loops stitched in and two carabiners as first responder fasteners204that can selectively provide both a single hookup connection point or separated to have two carabiners for attaching to the first responder on, for example, both sides of the first responder's belt.

Referring now toFIGS.9-13, a second implementation of the invention will be discussed. More particularly,FIG.9presents a front, perspective view of a rescue harness300in accordance with a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the rescue harness300comprises a strap302, and a head-rest support panel310, and wherein the strap302includes a first portion312(i.e., a top portion) and a second portion314(i.e., a bottom portion). The strap302comprises at least three (3) first responder fasteners (i.e., first responder fastener304, first responder fastener306, and first responder fastener308, respectively) for affixing the head-rest support panel310to a first responder (e.g., the first responder700) and a victim (e.g., the victim500). The first responder fasteners304,306, and308, in the embodiment, are carabiners. However, in accordance with the principles of the disclosed embodiments the first responder fasteners may be formed as a D-ring, loop, hook, buckle or any other type of known fastener or connector that provides for a quick-release.

The rescue harness300is deployable by placing the first portion312(i.e. the top portion) of the strap302over the victim's head to fasten a first one of first responder fasteners (i.e., the first responder fastener304affixed by first loop318) and a second one of the first responder fasteners (i.e., the first responder fastener306affixed by second loop320) to at least one of a garment, a belt and/or a wearable equipment worn by the first responder700transporting the victim500in a forward-facing position of the first responder, and placing the second portion314(i.e., the bottom portion) of the strap underneath both armpits of the victim to cause the strap to be disposed across an upper chest of the victim together with a third one of the first responder fasteners (i.e., the first responder fastener308) that is secured by an elastic restraint316.

The strap302may be a load-bearing strap. In some embodiments, the strap302may be configured to bear at least a 1000 pounds (lbs.) load. In some embodiments, the strap302may be configured to bear more or less than 1000 pounds but should preferably be configured to be able to bear at least the weight of an average-sized adult male. In some embodiments, the strap302is formed of a flexible material that is rated for a target strength and durability for the particular rescue purposes. For example, in firefighting applications, the strap302may be formed of a flexible, 1″-2″ tubular webbing material that is formed of a flame-resistant material. In some embodiments, the strap302may be made of, for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated nylon, a vinyl-coated polyester, a two-way or four-way stretch nylon blend, a polyester mesh, or any other suitable strap material. The strap302and the head-rest support panel310are further preferably made of a washable material so that the rescue harness300can be washed for re-use with another victim.

In the embodiment, the strap302is a single-strap piece, i.e., unitary/continuous strap material comprising the first loop318, the second loop320, and a third loop322(see,FIG.10), respectively, for receiving the first one of first responder fasteners (i.e., the first responder fastener304), the second one of the first responder fasteners (i.e., the first responder fastener306), and the third one of the first responder fasteners (i.e., the first responder fastener308, respectively. The size of the strap302is preferably configured to provide sufficient length to, when deployed in use, pull a victim on the ground, while also being able to fasten a portion of the strap302to the first responder (e.g., a rear portion of a belt, a backpack, or a wearable equipment disposed on the first responder).

The head-rest support panel310is a removable panel that may be formed of a flexible material that is rated for a target strength and durability for the particular rescue purpose of supporting the victim's head. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel310is sized, shaped, and configured to support a head and neck area of a victim to be rescued. That is, the head-rest support panel310may be formed as other shapes but is preferably sized and shaped and dimensioned (length and width) to define a panel area to support/stabilize at least a head and a neck area of a standard-sized victim. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel310may be made of a flame-resistant material. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel310may be made of a washable material so that the rescue harness300can be washed for re-use with another victim. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel310includes a length and a width defining a panel area configured to support/stabilize a head, a neck and a shoulder of a standard-sized victim being rescued/support by the rescue harness300. In some embodiments, the standard-sized victim is the adult victim500, such as shown inFIGS.5,12, and13, and in some embodiments the rescue harness300may be sized to support a standard-sized child victim.

The head-rest support panel310is adjustably coupled to the strap302to allow the first responder to selectively adjust a position of the head-rest support panel310along a length of the strap302, e.g., relative to the first responder fasteners304and306, respectively, through a first sleeve324and a second sleeve326(see,FIG.11; and as further detailed herein below). In this manner, the first responder can selectively adjust the position (e.g., vertical position) of the head-rest support panel310along the length of the strap302to suit, for example, the first responder's preferred positioning of the victim relative to the first responder and/or for a size and a height of the particular victim being transported. In this manner, the victim's head can be symmetrically supported by the head-rest support panel310. The head-rest support panel310further comprises the elastic restraint316that will be used to secure the head-rest support panel310to the first responder fastener308(i.e., the third one of the first responder fasteners) when in use transporting the victim, as further detailed herein below.

In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel310is removably coupled to the strap302. For example,FIG.11presents a front, perspective view of the strap302and the head-rest support panel310of the rescue harness300(as illustrated inFIG.9), in a disassembled configuration, in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel310may be slidably removable from the strap302by decoupling the first loop318and the second loop320at absolute ends of the strap302, removing the first responder fastener and the second first responder fastener306, and sliding the head-rest support panel310on and off of the strap302accordingly. In this way, the head-rest support panel310may be fed through the first sleeve324and the second sleeve326that are formed on each side (i.e., opposite sides) the head-rest support panel310. This may allow the head-rest support panel310to be switched out in order to be replaced with a new (or washed) head-rest support panel310, if, for example, the original head-rest support panel310becomes damaged, stained, or it is otherwise desired to switch out the head-rest support panel310for another one. In this way, as can be seen inFIG.11, the fasteners can be removed and the head-rest support panel310can be entirely removed and separated from the strap302by sliding the head-rest support panel310through the first sleeve318and the second sleeve320.

As shown, the first and second loops318and320may be disposed on (and/or defined by) opposite ends of the head-rest support panel310. For example, as shown, the strap302includes two absolute ends that may be, for example, 1″ flat loops stitched thereon. In some embodiments, the head-rest support panel310is adjustable up and down selectively for placement/positioning of the victim's head and then the selected position is locked in place with the pressure on the strap302(see, e.g.,FIG.13where a weight of the victim500applies pressure on the strap302and secures the position of the head-rest support panel310). In other embodiments, the head-rest support panel310may be coupled to the strap302in other configurations. In some embodiments, the first responder fastener304(i.e., the first one) and the first responder fastener306(i.e., the second one) may be coupled to the first portion312of the strap102, which may be considered a top portion of the strap302. The first responder fastener308(i.e., the third one) may be coupled to the second portion314of the strap302, which may be considered a bottom portion of the strap302.

The first responder fasteners304and306, respectively, may be selectively couplable to a garment, a belt and/or other wearable equipment worn by the first responder. The first responder fasteners304and306may be configured to each provide a respective connection point of the rescue harness300to the first responder so that the first responder can pull or otherwise transport the victim with hands free. For example,FIGS.8-12show this embodiment including these two first responder fasteners (i.e., first responder fasteners304and306, respectively) at opposite ends of the strap302, where the two first responder fasteners are configured to provide two corresponding connection points of the rescue harness300to the first responder.

FIG.10presents a rear, perspective view of the rescue harness in accordance with the second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Thus,FIG.10illustrates an example of the first responder fastener308(i.e., the third one) coupled to the second (e.g., bottom) portion314of the strap302using the third loop322, and which may be configured to, for example, provide an additional connection of the strap302to the victim using the elastic restraint316. In this embodiment, the third loop322is sized and shaped to receive the third one of the first responder fasteners (i.e., the first responder fastener308), as shown and detailed previously inFIG.6, and this fastener is configured and attached such that, when the rescue harness300is deployed on the victim, the first responder fastener308is disposed at a center of a portion of the strap302across the victim's upper chest area in order to permit for the victim's evacuation.

Turning our attention toFIGS.12and13, a plan view of the rescue harness300deployed on the victim500is shown in accordance with the second illustrative embodiment of the present invention, and a schematic view of the rescue harness300is shown deployed on the victim500and attached to a rear portion of a first responder's500wearable gear in accordance with the second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. These Figures therefore illustrate the first responder700transporting the victim500in a forward direction and having both hands free to actively fight a fire or attend to other real-time activities during victim transport. As particularly illustrated inFIGS.12and13, the rescue harness300is deployable by the first responder700by placing the second portion314of the strap302underneath both armpits of the victim500to cause the strap302to be disposed across an upper chest of the victim and placing the first portion312of the strap302over the victim's500head to secure the first responder fastener304and the first responder fastener306to (e.g., a rear portion of) a garment, a belt and/or a wearable equipment worn by the first responder700transporting/moving the victim500(e.g., in a forward-facing position of the first responder). The head-rest support panel310may be slid up and down along the strap302to select an optimal head-rest position for the victim500and attached via the elastic restraint310to the first responder fastener308. The elastic restraint316of the head-rest support panel310is attached to the first responder fastener308(i.e., the third one) at the bottom portion314of the strap302. In some embodiments, pressure from the victim's500weight may lock the head-rest support panel310in position and may tightly secure the strap302across the upper chest of the victim500. As shown inFIG.13, using the rescue harness300to transport the victim500, the first responder700is free to use both of his hands to actively fight the fire (or take any other necessary real-time action or maneuver) while also moving in a forward facing direction328(instead of moving in a backwards direction or using his hands to hold the victim over his shoulder).

Although some embodiments have been described in the context of a fire fighter as a first responder transporting a victim, it should be understood that the harness arrangements described herein may be advantageously used in different fields, such as, for example, civilian, law enforcement, military, etc. to transport individuals and/or other heavy objects from one location to another.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.