Original: $988.00
-70%$988.00
$296.40The Story
The Sked® Basic Rescue System (SK-200) by SKEDCO is the original and definitive flexible stretcher for confined-space, high-angle, technical, and land-based rescue — deployed by U.S. military units, fire departments, law enforcement tactical teams, and rescue professionals worldwide since its introduction. When a patient is packaged, the low-density E-Z Glide polyethylene sheet becomes rigid to provide outstanding protection during the most demanding extrications. Ships as a complete system including Cordura® backpack, lift slings, tow strap, carabiner, and removable handles. Available in Steel Buckles or AustriAlpin Cobra® Quick Release Buckle configurations. Made in the USA.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SKEDCO (Made in USA) |
| Model — Steel Buckles | SK-200 | NSN: 6530-01-620-2575 |
| Model — Cobra Buckles | SK-200C | NSN: 6530-01-575-4004 |
| Deployed Dimensions | 91 cm × 244 cm (3 ft × 8 ft) |
| Packed Dimensions | 23 cm diameter × 91 cm length (9 in × 36 in) |
| System Weight | ~9 kg / 17–19 lb (complete with accessories) |
| Stretcher Material | Low-density E-Z Glide polyethylene plastic |
| Pack Material | Cordura® nylon backpack / towing harness |
| Hardware (Steel variant) | Solid brass grommets, nylon webbing, steel buckles |
| Hardware (Cobra variant) | AustriAlpin Cobra® aluminum side-release buckles (rated 3,000 lb / 1,360 kg) |
| Horizontal Lift Slings Rating | 45 kN (webbing tensile strength) |
| Vertical Lift Sling Rating | 31 kN rope tensile strength |
| Temperature Range | Usable to −84°C; begins to melt at 230–260°C |
| Certification | CE-EN 1497:2007 |
| Service Life | Maximum 10 years; inspect yearly and after each use |
| Available Colors | International Orange; O.D. Green (military/tactical) |
What's Included — Complete System
The SK-200 ships as a complete rescue system ready for most applications. Each unit includes:
Key Features
When flat, the polyethylene sheet is flexible enough to roll and pack. Once a patient is secured inside, the wrapped system becomes rigid, protecting the casualty through tight passages, rubble fields, and technical terrain where rigid litters cannot go.
One system handles dragging, team carry, horizontal helicopter hoist, and vertical shaft/cave extraction. No other stretcher in its class delivers all four modes in a single backpackable package.
The Steel Buckle variant (SK-200) is the proven original. The Cobra Buckle variant (SK-200C) uses AustriAlpin Cobra® quick-release hardware rated at 3,000 lb, cutting patient packaging time roughly in half — critical in time-sensitive mass casualty or tactical environments.
Low-density E-Z Glide polyethylene remains usable down to −84°C, making it suitable for alpine, arctic, and high-altitude rescue scenarios where other materials become brittle.
Packed in its Cordura® case, the system measures only 23 cm diameter × 91 cm long — small enough to carry through manholes, mine shafts, and confined industrial spaces that would block conventional rigid litters.
Available in O.D. Green for military, SWAT, and other low-visibility applications. Federal supply NSN numbers support government procurement by defense and public safety agencies.
Meets the European rescue harness standard, validating the structural integrity of the lift sling attachment system for international operations and deployments.
Who Is This For?
The Sked's confined-space performance is unmatched for structural collapse, mine rescue, and tunnel incidents where rigid basket stretchers cannot physically maneuver.
NSN-stocked and O.D. Green available. Widely used by combat medics for CASEVAC from buildings, vehicles, and urban terrain where conventional litters fail. Helicopter-hoist capable without additional rigging.
Low-profile pack and rapid drag capability enable ballistic casualty extraction from buildings, stairwells, and vehicle bays. Available in O.D. Green for low-signature operations.
Vertical lift sling rated at 31 kN enables single-rope vertical extraction from caves, mine shafts, and cliffside scenarios. Operates reliably at extreme sub-zero temperatures.
Petroleum, chemical, and utility industries rely on the Sked for confined-space entry protocols. The system's ability to be sanitized and redeployed supports ongoing industrial rescue readiness.
When patients must be moved from environments inaccessible to wheeled cots — apartment stairwells, concert crush scenarios, wilderness settings — the Sked delivers a compliant, secure carry platform.
How to Deploy the Sked® Rescue System
- Remove from pack. Unroll the stretcher on a flat surface next to the patient. The backpack converts to the towing harness during extraction.
- Position the patient. Log-roll or slide the patient onto the stretcher, centering them lengthwise. Maintain spinal precautions as clinically indicated.
- Wrap and secure. Pull the sides of the Sked® up around the patient and thread the securing straps. Steel buckle variant requires weaving; Cobra buckle variant snaps in — reducing packaging time by approximately 50%.
- Rigidity check. Once secured, the system becomes rigid. Verify patient is stable and the integrated harness is taut.
-
Choose extraction mode:
- Drag: Attach tow strap to head end and drag over any terrain.
- Team carry: Clip removable webbing handles at multiple points for 2–4 rescuer carry.
- Horizontal hoist: Attach horizontal lift slings (pair, 45 kN) for helicopter or crane extraction.
- Vertical lift: Rig vertical lift sling (31 kN) for shaft or cave retrieval using the included carabiner.
- Post-use inspection. Clean per manufacturer guidelines. Inspect hardware and webbing. Record date of use. System requires annual inspection and replacement at maximum 10-year service life.
Why the Sked® Remains the Standard
Rigid basket-type stretchers require a clear path, minimum ceiling height, and team size that confined-space scenarios rarely afford. The Sked® overcomes all of these constraints simultaneously. Where rigid litters get stuck at doorways, turnarounds, or debris fields, the Sked wraps around the patient and slides through. Where helicopter hoists require a dedicated litter rigging kit, the Sked's integrated slings are already aboard.
The CE-EN 1497:2007 certification provides third-party validation of the lift harness system — not just a manufacturer claim. The AustriAlpin Cobra® buckle option on the SK-200C is the same buckle technology used in high-end mountaineering harnesses and parachute systems, specified here by teams that count patient packaging speed in seconds, not minutes.
The Sked is also a force multiplier: one or two rescuers can drag a packaged patient to safety without waiting for full team assembly — critical in immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) environments. For paired use with EMS response bags or tactical medical backpacks, the compact pack size means the Sked travels with the responder rather than waiting on the apparatus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SK-200 (Steel Buckles) and SK-200C (Cobra Buckles)?
Both systems use the identical Sked® stretcher, Cordura® pack, lift slings, tow strap, and carabiner. The SK-200C replaces the standard steel buckles with AustriAlpin Cobra® aluminum quick-release buckles rated at 3,000 lb. These buckles do not require webbing to be woven at the time of use — they clip and release under tension, reducing patient packaging time by approximately 50%. The SK-200C is the preferred choice for tactical, SWAT, and high-tempo rescue environments where every second matters.
What is the maximum patient weight capacity of the Sked® Basic Rescue System?
SKEDCO does not publish a single maximum patient weight. The system's lift sling ratings — 45 kN horizontal, 31 kN vertical — far exceed practical working loads. The stretcher material itself has been used successfully with large patients; however, teams should consult SKEDCO directly for formal load certification requirements specific to their rescue authority's standards.
Can the Sked® be used for water rescue operations?
Yes. The polyethylene stretcher is waterproof and the hardware is non-corroding for saltwater exposure. For dedicated water operations, SKEDCO offers optional foam flotation logs (SK-600 series) that attach to the SK-200 to provide buoyancy and keep the patient's head elevated. The SK-650 Rapid Deployment Water Rescue System bundles the SK-200 with CO2-inflatable float logs for sub-30-second water deployment.
Does the Sked® require special training to use?
SKEDCO recommends formal training in confined-space rescue, patient packaging, and rigging techniques before operational use. The system's mechanics are intuitive, but high-angle extraction, vertical hoisting, and helicopter operations require competency in rigging principles and rescue systems. Many technical rescue programs and fire academies include Sked® operations in their curricula. SKEDCO provides detailed product instructions and resources on their website.
How long is the Sked® service life and how should it be inspected?
The maximum service life is 10 years from manufacture date. The system should be inspected annually and after every operational use. Inspection should cover: stretcher material integrity (cracks, deep cuts, deformation), all webbing for abrasion or fraying, buckle function (both locking and release), carabiner gate action, and sling stitching. Remove from service if any component shows functional compromise — hardware components are individually replaceable from SKEDCO.
Is this compatible with the Oregon Spine Splint II (OSS)?
Yes. The Sked® Basic Rescue System is designed to be fully compatible with the SKEDCO Oregon Spine Splint II (SK-300 series). The OSS can be used inside the Sked® to provide spinal immobilization during confined-space rescue operations where standard backboards cannot be positioned. SKEDCO offers the SK-800 Complete Rescue System that bundles the SK-200, SK-300, and SK-600 Flotation System into a single backpackable unit.
Why does MED-TAC International stock SKEDCO products?
MED-TAC International is a clinician-founded, veteran-led SDVOSB supplier of tactical and emergency medical equipment serving military, law enforcement, and professional rescue communities. We stock the Sked® Basic Rescue System because it bridges the gap between clinical casualty care and the physical challenges of evacuation — a gap our founder and team have experienced firsthand. Browse our full EMS equipment collection for complementary rescue and transport solutions.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
The Sked® Basic Rescue System (SK-200) by SKEDCO is the original and definitive flexible stretcher for confined-space, high-angle, technical, and land-based rescue — deployed by U.S. military units, fire departments, law enforcement tactical teams, and rescue professionals worldwide since its introduction. When a patient is packaged, the low-density E-Z Glide polyethylene sheet becomes rigid to provide outstanding protection during the most demanding extrications. Ships as a complete system including Cordura® backpack, lift slings, tow strap, carabiner, and removable handles. Available in Steel Buckles or AustriAlpin Cobra® Quick Release Buckle configurations. Made in the USA.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | SKEDCO (Made in USA) |
| Model — Steel Buckles | SK-200 | NSN: 6530-01-620-2575 |
| Model — Cobra Buckles | SK-200C | NSN: 6530-01-575-4004 |
| Deployed Dimensions | 91 cm × 244 cm (3 ft × 8 ft) |
| Packed Dimensions | 23 cm diameter × 91 cm length (9 in × 36 in) |
| System Weight | ~9 kg / 17–19 lb (complete with accessories) |
| Stretcher Material | Low-density E-Z Glide polyethylene plastic |
| Pack Material | Cordura® nylon backpack / towing harness |
| Hardware (Steel variant) | Solid brass grommets, nylon webbing, steel buckles |
| Hardware (Cobra variant) | AustriAlpin Cobra® aluminum side-release buckles (rated 3,000 lb / 1,360 kg) |
| Horizontal Lift Slings Rating | 45 kN (webbing tensile strength) |
| Vertical Lift Sling Rating | 31 kN rope tensile strength |
| Temperature Range | Usable to −84°C; begins to melt at 230–260°C |
| Certification | CE-EN 1497:2007 |
| Service Life | Maximum 10 years; inspect yearly and after each use |
| Available Colors | International Orange; O.D. Green (military/tactical) |
What's Included — Complete System
The SK-200 ships as a complete rescue system ready for most applications. Each unit includes:
Key Features
When flat, the polyethylene sheet is flexible enough to roll and pack. Once a patient is secured inside, the wrapped system becomes rigid, protecting the casualty through tight passages, rubble fields, and technical terrain where rigid litters cannot go.
One system handles dragging, team carry, horizontal helicopter hoist, and vertical shaft/cave extraction. No other stretcher in its class delivers all four modes in a single backpackable package.
The Steel Buckle variant (SK-200) is the proven original. The Cobra Buckle variant (SK-200C) uses AustriAlpin Cobra® quick-release hardware rated at 3,000 lb, cutting patient packaging time roughly in half — critical in time-sensitive mass casualty or tactical environments.
Low-density E-Z Glide polyethylene remains usable down to −84°C, making it suitable for alpine, arctic, and high-altitude rescue scenarios where other materials become brittle.
Packed in its Cordura® case, the system measures only 23 cm diameter × 91 cm long — small enough to carry through manholes, mine shafts, and confined industrial spaces that would block conventional rigid litters.
Available in O.D. Green for military, SWAT, and other low-visibility applications. Federal supply NSN numbers support government procurement by defense and public safety agencies.
Meets the European rescue harness standard, validating the structural integrity of the lift sling attachment system for international operations and deployments.
Who Is This For?
The Sked's confined-space performance is unmatched for structural collapse, mine rescue, and tunnel incidents where rigid basket stretchers cannot physically maneuver.
NSN-stocked and O.D. Green available. Widely used by combat medics for CASEVAC from buildings, vehicles, and urban terrain where conventional litters fail. Helicopter-hoist capable without additional rigging.
Low-profile pack and rapid drag capability enable ballistic casualty extraction from buildings, stairwells, and vehicle bays. Available in O.D. Green for low-signature operations.
Vertical lift sling rated at 31 kN enables single-rope vertical extraction from caves, mine shafts, and cliffside scenarios. Operates reliably at extreme sub-zero temperatures.
Petroleum, chemical, and utility industries rely on the Sked for confined-space entry protocols. The system's ability to be sanitized and redeployed supports ongoing industrial rescue readiness.
When patients must be moved from environments inaccessible to wheeled cots — apartment stairwells, concert crush scenarios, wilderness settings — the Sked delivers a compliant, secure carry platform.
How to Deploy the Sked® Rescue System
- Remove from pack. Unroll the stretcher on a flat surface next to the patient. The backpack converts to the towing harness during extraction.
- Position the patient. Log-roll or slide the patient onto the stretcher, centering them lengthwise. Maintain spinal precautions as clinically indicated.
- Wrap and secure. Pull the sides of the Sked® up around the patient and thread the securing straps. Steel buckle variant requires weaving; Cobra buckle variant snaps in — reducing packaging time by approximately 50%.
- Rigidity check. Once secured, the system becomes rigid. Verify patient is stable and the integrated harness is taut.
-
Choose extraction mode:
- Drag: Attach tow strap to head end and drag over any terrain.
- Team carry: Clip removable webbing handles at multiple points for 2–4 rescuer carry.
- Horizontal hoist: Attach horizontal lift slings (pair, 45 kN) for helicopter or crane extraction.
- Vertical lift: Rig vertical lift sling (31 kN) for shaft or cave retrieval using the included carabiner.
- Post-use inspection. Clean per manufacturer guidelines. Inspect hardware and webbing. Record date of use. System requires annual inspection and replacement at maximum 10-year service life.
Why the Sked® Remains the Standard
Rigid basket-type stretchers require a clear path, minimum ceiling height, and team size that confined-space scenarios rarely afford. The Sked® overcomes all of these constraints simultaneously. Where rigid litters get stuck at doorways, turnarounds, or debris fields, the Sked wraps around the patient and slides through. Where helicopter hoists require a dedicated litter rigging kit, the Sked's integrated slings are already aboard.
The CE-EN 1497:2007 certification provides third-party validation of the lift harness system — not just a manufacturer claim. The AustriAlpin Cobra® buckle option on the SK-200C is the same buckle technology used in high-end mountaineering harnesses and parachute systems, specified here by teams that count patient packaging speed in seconds, not minutes.
The Sked is also a force multiplier: one or two rescuers can drag a packaged patient to safety without waiting for full team assembly — critical in immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) environments. For paired use with EMS response bags or tactical medical backpacks, the compact pack size means the Sked travels with the responder rather than waiting on the apparatus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the SK-200 (Steel Buckles) and SK-200C (Cobra Buckles)?
Both systems use the identical Sked® stretcher, Cordura® pack, lift slings, tow strap, and carabiner. The SK-200C replaces the standard steel buckles with AustriAlpin Cobra® aluminum quick-release buckles rated at 3,000 lb. These buckles do not require webbing to be woven at the time of use — they clip and release under tension, reducing patient packaging time by approximately 50%. The SK-200C is the preferred choice for tactical, SWAT, and high-tempo rescue environments where every second matters.
What is the maximum patient weight capacity of the Sked® Basic Rescue System?
SKEDCO does not publish a single maximum patient weight. The system's lift sling ratings — 45 kN horizontal, 31 kN vertical — far exceed practical working loads. The stretcher material itself has been used successfully with large patients; however, teams should consult SKEDCO directly for formal load certification requirements specific to their rescue authority's standards.
Can the Sked® be used for water rescue operations?
Yes. The polyethylene stretcher is waterproof and the hardware is non-corroding for saltwater exposure. For dedicated water operations, SKEDCO offers optional foam flotation logs (SK-600 series) that attach to the SK-200 to provide buoyancy and keep the patient's head elevated. The SK-650 Rapid Deployment Water Rescue System bundles the SK-200 with CO2-inflatable float logs for sub-30-second water deployment.
Does the Sked® require special training to use?
SKEDCO recommends formal training in confined-space rescue, patient packaging, and rigging techniques before operational use. The system's mechanics are intuitive, but high-angle extraction, vertical hoisting, and helicopter operations require competency in rigging principles and rescue systems. Many technical rescue programs and fire academies include Sked® operations in their curricula. SKEDCO provides detailed product instructions and resources on their website.
How long is the Sked® service life and how should it be inspected?
The maximum service life is 10 years from manufacture date. The system should be inspected annually and after every operational use. Inspection should cover: stretcher material integrity (cracks, deep cuts, deformation), all webbing for abrasion or fraying, buckle function (both locking and release), carabiner gate action, and sling stitching. Remove from service if any component shows functional compromise — hardware components are individually replaceable from SKEDCO.
Is this compatible with the Oregon Spine Splint II (OSS)?
Yes. The Sked® Basic Rescue System is designed to be fully compatible with the SKEDCO Oregon Spine Splint II (SK-300 series). The OSS can be used inside the Sked® to provide spinal immobilization during confined-space rescue operations where standard backboards cannot be positioned. SKEDCO offers the SK-800 Complete Rescue System that bundles the SK-200, SK-300, and SK-600 Flotation System into a single backpackable unit.
Why does MED-TAC International stock SKEDCO products?
MED-TAC International is a clinician-founded, veteran-led SDVOSB supplier of tactical and emergency medical equipment serving military, law enforcement, and professional rescue communities. We stock the Sked® Basic Rescue System because it bridges the gap between clinical casualty care and the physical challenges of evacuation — a gap our founder and team have experienced firsthand. Browse our full EMS equipment collection for complementary rescue and transport solutions.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
