A new Personal Recovery Device (CPRD) developed by Cosalt, UK, is helping to improve the rescue process during man overboard rescue situations from offshore rigs, FPSO vessels, tankers, tug boats and dive vessels.
Cosalt's new CPRD is a flexible, ladder-style device, which enables casualties, conscious or unconscious, to be retrieved from the water in a horizontal position. This means there is less chance of circum rescue collapse – a cardiovascular condition that is greatly aggravated by hypothermia.
In simple terms, the longer a person has to be lifted vertically, the greater the threat of heart and blood circulation problems in a person whose temperature is reduced by exposure. Horizontal recovery reduces the effect of gravity on the impaired blood circulation.
Available in a variety of sizes, each CPRD is tailored to suit the individual needs of the application it will be used from. The PRD FRC Kit is designed for use on fast rescue craft. It is supplied in a valise and is compact enough to be stowed in the craft.
In rescue stretcher configuration the equipment is used with block and tackle or davit arrangements. If required the stretcher can also be used with a rescue swimmer. Larger sizes of the CPRD can be used as a scramble net on the side of a vessel and in rescue zones
In use it is simple to launch and operate, even in rough conditions. This is critical for offshore applications. The product is constructed from high-density plastic rungs and steel rods. It is fitted with Marine Grade 316 stainless steel snap hooks. Lifting strops and heaving lines are attached to aid retrieval.
Cosalt's PRD requires servicing every three years. This is carried out at one of the company's many fully approved liferaft, lifejacket and immersion suit service stations.
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