TacMed™ Ultralight Poleless Litter

Key Specifications

Key Features

The CASEVAC Problem: Why Carry Weight Matters

Moving a casualty is consistently identified as one of the most physically demanding and tactically disruptive events in combat medicine. Traditional litter systems — rigid or semi-rigid pole litters, folding pole litters, NATO scoop litters — provide excellent patient packaging platforms but impose significant weight and bulk penalties on the units that carry them. They are typically allocated at platoon or company level, not individually issued, which means that in dispersed operations or small-unit engagements, CASEVAC capability depends on whether the dedicated litter-bearer team is at the point of need.

The TacMed™ Ultralight Poleless Litter solves the individual distribution problem. At a 10 × 7 × 1.5 inch packed size, it stores in a large cargo pocket, a medical pouch on a plate carrier, or the external pocket of an assault pack — adding negligible weight to any mission load. Every member of a patrol can carry individual CASEVAC capability, transforming the litter from a shared platoon resource to an individual item, consistent with the distributed logistics philosophy of modern special operations and light infantry doctrine.

The 65 × 23 inch deployed size accommodates a standard adult male in full kit, and the 450-lb load rating handles the combined patient weight, body armor, and equipment weight of virtually any operational personnel. The 500-lb static load test provides structural confidence margin beyond the rated capacity.

CASEVAC Carry Configurations

The eight distributed grab handles on the TacMed™ Ultralight Poleless Litter support dynamic CASEVAC scenarios where the number of rescuers varies:

• One-person drag: A single rescuer grabs the two head-end handles and drags the casualty to cover or a safe position. Appropriate for emergency movement under fire (TCCC Care Under Fire phase) when speed outweighs comfort. The poleless design allows the litter to conform to the ground contour during a drag.
• Two-person carry: Two rescuers at the head and foot ends, each using the grab handle nearest their position. The low-profile litter allows passage through narrow spaces, doorways, and restricted terrain that would stop a rigid litter.
• Four-person carry: Four rescuers, two per side, at the four lateral handles. Distributes the load evenly and allows a faster, more controlled carry over distance. For heavier casualties or longer transport distances, this configuration reduces per-rescuer fatigue.
• Stairwell and confined space: The flexible poleless structure adapts to stairs, trenches, vehicle loading, and tight corridors where rigid litters cannot maneuver.

Who Uses the TacMed™ Ultralight Poleless Litter?

• Individual Soldiers and Operators: Carried as individual issue in light infantry, special operations, and dispersed unit roles where dedicated litter carriers are not assigned and CASEVAC capability must be personally organic.
• Combat Medics (68W / 18D): Supplement standard medical loadout with a compact CASEVAC platform that stores in a medical bag without sacrificing supply space. Enables one medic to initiate patient movement when additional personnel are not immediately available.
• TEMS Operators and Law Enforcement: Law enforcement tactical teams, SWAT medics, and Rescue Task Force providers needing compact CASEVAC capability for warm-zone casualty extraction and officer-down rescue without the bulk of full rescue litters.
• Search and Rescue Teams: Backcountry rescue, wilderness SAR, and technical rescue operations where the litter must be carried by the rescuers rather than staged at a vehicle. The compact pack size enables carriage by field teams on extended operations.
• EMS / Fire Rescue: Urban rescue applications where a compact litter enables casualty movement through restricted spaces — stairwells, crawlspaces, tight corridors — before transfer to a Reeves sleeve or ambulance stretcher.
• Expedition and Remote Medicine: Medical support for expeditions, military training, and remote operations where all equipment is self-carried and dedicated litter systems cannot be justified on weight grounds.
• Vehicle Crew / Mounted Operations: Vehicle crews who cannot carry a standard litter but can store the ULPOLIT under a seat or in a storage compartment for emergency dismounted CASEVAC.

Understanding Poleless Litters: Capability Trade-offs

Poleless flexible litters occupy a specific role in the evacuation equipment hierarchy. Understanding where they fit helps providers select the right tool for each operational context:

The ULPOLIT is optimized for the initial movement phase — getting the casualty from the point of injury to a casualty collection point, vehicle, or covered position before transfer to a more robust platform. Its compact size makes it the only litter category that can realistically be carried by every operator on every mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

See also: IFAK Kits & First Aid · Massive Hemorrhage Control · Tactical Medical Backpacks · Best Sellers