S.R.E. Inflatable Rescue Sleds Take on a New Role with Elevate Paragliding
Specialist Rescue Equipment (S.R.E.) inflatable rescue sleds are being put to work in a different way by Elevate Paragliding, helping recover paragliders who land in the water and demonstrating the versatility of specialist rescue equipment in an alternative operational setting.
Rescue equipment can often have applications beyond its most familiar role. Elevate Paragliding is demonstrating this through its use of S.R.E. inflatable rescue sleds to help recover paragliders who find themselves in the water following a landing.
While these sleds are designed for use across a wide range of hazardous aquatic and semi-aquatic environments, this application highlights how their practical design can support different rescue requirements, including water recovery in paragliding operations.
From Sky to Water: A Different Application for Rescue Equipment
Paragliding can bring unexpected challenges, particularly when a pilot lands in the water. Having suitable equipment available to assist with recovery can be an important part of preparing for these scenarios.
Elevate Paragliding is using S.R.E. inflatable rescue sleds to help reach and recover paragliders from the water, demonstrating an alternative application for equipment developed for demanding rescue environments.
It is a great example of how versatile rescue solutions can support different operational needs, putting equipment to work in situations beyond its more conventional applications.
Introducing the RR4 Inflatable Rescue Sled
The S.R.E. RR4 is a versatile, portable and adaptable inflatable rescue platform designed for use in a variety of hazardous aquatic and semi-aquatic environments.
Its potential applications include rivers, canals, lakes, flooded urban and coastal areas, wetlands, estuaries, mountains, ice and snow, as well as other challenging environments where a suitable specialist rescue platform may be required.
The RR4 features an extended platform at the stern to support efficient casualty recovery. Rubber strakes fitted along both sides of the pontoons contribute to stability and durability, making the sled a practical option for demanding operational conditions.
Weighing just 28 kg (62 lb), the RR4 is designed to be manageable to transport and handle, while its inflatable construction allows it to be packed away when not in use.
RR4 Key Features and Specifications
Capacity: 4+1 persons
Maximum load: 450 kg (992 lb)
Weight: 28 kg (62 lb)
Dimensions: 3.6 m × 1.16 m (11 ft 8 in × 3 ft 8 in)
Internal width: 70 cm (27.6 in)
Pontoon diameter: 23 cm (9 in)
Floor: 15 cm (5.9 in) drop-stitch welded fabric (DWF)
Chambers: Two buoyancy chambers plus a separate floor chamber
Handles: Nine in total — five on the pontoons and four on the floor
Attachment points: 19 D-rings in three sizes
Available colours: Red, yellow, orange, green and black
The RR4's drop-stitch welded fabric floor provides enhanced rigidity, while its 15 cm thickness is designed to deliver buoyancy and durability. The separate floor chamber adds another inflatable compartment to the platform's configuration.
Discover the S.R.E. Inflatable Rescue Sled Range
The RR4 is part of S.R.E.'s wider inflatable rescue sled range, which also includes the RR2 and RR3. Each model offers a different capacity and maximum load, providing options for organisations with varying operational requirements.
RR2 Inflatable Rescue Sled
The RR2 supports up to 3 persons, with a maximum load of 300 kg (661 lb). It provides an option for operations requiring a smaller-capacity rescue sled.
RR3 Inflatable Rescue Sled
The RR3 supports 2+1 persons, with a maximum load of 300 kg (661 lb). It offers another configuration within the range for specialist rescue and recovery applications.
RR4 Inflatable Rescue Sled
The RR4 supports 4+1 persons, with a maximum load of 450 kg (992 lb). Its extended stern platform, reinforced floor and multiple attachment points make it a versatile option for demanding rescue scenarios.
Across the range, the appropriate model will depend on the intended application, personnel requirements, payload and operating environment.
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Supplied Equipment and Optional Additions
The RR4 is supplied with a choice of a double-ended aluminium paddle or two T-bar floating paddles, together with inflation valve fittings, a manual inflation pump, a storage bag and a maintenance kit containing tools and repair patches.
A range of optional additions can also be specified to suit operational requirements, including:
• Customer branding
• Interchangeable or additional paddle configurations
• Rapid inflation systems
• Additional D-rings Storage pockets
These options allow the sled to be configured to meet different handling, equipment storage and deployment requirements.
One Rescue Platform, Multiple Applications
From flood response and casualty recovery to challenging environments involving rivers, wetlands, ice and snow, S.R.E. inflatable rescue sleds are designed to support a broad range of specialist rescue applications.
Their use by Elevate Paragliding provides an interesting example of this versatility in practice. By using the sleds to assist with water recoveries, Elevate Paragliding is demonstrating how specialist rescue equipment can support a different operational purpose from its more conventional applications.
At Northern Diver, we are pleased to see our equipment being put to work in innovative ways to support rescue and recovery activities. Discover the S.R.E. Inflatable Rescue Sled Range
Interested in finding out more about the RR2, RR3 or RR4 inflatable rescue sleds?
Contact us below to discuss the available models, specifications, optional additions and suitability for your operational requirements.
Contact Us: Email [email protected] or call 01257254444.
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