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DescriptionThe TURK is a two wheel multipurpose collapsible portable rescue kart. The rescuekart offers various functions for rst responders when dealing with Rescues, HazardousMaterials and Mass casualty incidents. The kart helps transport a stokes basket loaded withre ghting tools and equipment used by Rapid Intervention Teams or Hazardous MaterialTeams. It can transport civilian persons or equipment laden re ghters either in re gear orlevel A hazardous material suit. It can also accommodate backboards 16 to 20 in width.

It can transport ground ladders including the cumbersome 45 pole ladder. It has the addedfeature of operating as a hand truck for transporting fans, hydraulic electric motors andother small but heavy pieces of equipment.

Its adaptability to situations where manpower is limited and speed is crucial such as acombat operation is ideal. The Kart can be kept in a folded position in a compartment orattached to the exterior of the apparatus with optional mounting bracket.

The kart can accommodate both metal and plastic stoke baskets and most backboards16-20 in width. The TURK weighs approximately 43lbs. and has a rated capacity of

600lbs.

Stokes Basket FunctionWhen transporting the stokes basket simply slide the foot end of the basket through thecradle portion of the TURK. A stokes basket or ladder can be inserted from either side ofthe cradle however the maximum ground clearance will be achieved when the diamondplate surface is up. Loading the basket can be accomplished while on the apparatus or theground. If on the apparatus the stokes basket must be within 3 of the ground otherwise itwill have to be positioned on the ground and then slid into the cradle of the TURK. Slidethe basket out of its compartment far enough to slide the TURK about 1/3 the way up thebasket diamond plate facing out towards the user with wheels angled outward towards feet.

(see

g. #1) Rescuer slides the remaining portion of basket out of its compartment andtakes position at the head of the stokes. At this point more tools and equipment such assaws can be added to the basket. The TURK stays secured by maintaining a binding forceon the basket so there is no need for straps or fastening devices.

Simply slide it over the stokes and go. The TURK can be pushed like a wheel barrow aslong as the terrain is at and smooth otherwise it has to be pulled. When navigating steps,curbs or rough terrain the TURK must be pulled, this will maintain that binding force thatkeeps the TURK secured to the stokes basket.

When attaching the TURK to the stokes basket on the ground two rescuers facing oneanother at foot grasp top bar of TURK with hand closest to head end of stokes basket whilereaching through cradle of TURK and grabbing foot end of basket pulling up basket farenough to slide TURK through cradle approximately 1/3 the distance of basket.(see g. #2) Keep in mind that the heavier weight that is distributed over the wheelswill make it easier to roll. When transporting patients special care and attention must beadhered when positioning the TURK onto the stokes basket.Never position the TURK above the waist line of the patient.Because of the TURK short wheel base care must be takenwhen making quick turns. Taking an abrupt turn while moving ata swift speed will cause theTURK to tilt and possibly roll over.Moving at swift speeds will require a two rescuer operation.

Backboard FunctionThe TURK can be used to transport most backboards 16-20

in width (see g. #3). The adjustable paws used to secure thebackboard is`secured on the backside of the diamond toe plateby two quick release pins. Remove pins and adjustable paws.

Read and understand all of the instructions and safetyinformation in this manual before operating the TURK.

Purpose of this ManualThis manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe operation of the TURK.Keep this manual available to all personnel.

Replacement manuals are available upon request at no charge at www.TURKrescue.com

Safety: Safety is essential in the use of the TURK. This instruction manual and any markings on the deviceprovide information for avoiding hazards and unsafe practices related to the use of this device. Observe all of thesafety information provided.

Caution: Read and understand all of the instructions and safety information in this manual before operating theTURK. Failure to observe this precaution may result in injury or property damage.

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Insert adjustable paws into theirreceiver slots by pulling up on theafxed plunger pins located atthe top of kart (see g. #4). Slidethe paws all the way in. After thepatient is secured to a backboardrescuers slide the foot end of thebackboard into the diamond toeplate portion of the TURK. Thereare an assortment of holes in thediamond toe plate that will coincidewith the cut out handle slots ofmost backboards(see g. #5). Insert the two quickrelease pins into the holes thatline up with the cut out handles of backboard. Rescuers then pull up on plunger pins and adjust paws inward rmly against thebackboard making sure the plunger pins lock. Patient is ready to be moved. Rescuer lifts head of backboard and rolls patient todestination. Depending on patient size it may require two rescuers to roll patient. Note that with this function the TURK can bepushed or pulled with the exception of stairs and obstructions then it must be pulled.

Ladder FunctionThe TURK can be used to move all ground ladders including the cumbersome

45-50 pole ladders (see g. #6). With the pole ladders it will be necessary to positionthe TURK at the tip of the ladder because the tormentors at the heel end exceed thewidth of the TURKs cradle. Simply slide the tip of the ladder out two to three rungsand slide TURK diamond plate out, rst onto the tip. With the 45-50 pole ladder itsrecommended that two re ghters move to the heel section lift and roll ladder toposition. When using the TURK to move portable ground ladder and tools, simplyposition the TURK over the heal of the ladder three to four rungs toward tip and loadladder with desired tools (see g. #7).

Navigating Stairs and EscalatorsThe safe operation of the TURK on stairs and escalators will require at least two

rescuers. When going up stairs or escalators the operator at the head of the stokesbasket or backboard will proceed rst. The rescuer at the foot end will loop the attachedwebbing around the bar located below axle. When going up an escalator rescuer athead maintains a secure grip while rescuer at the foot end maintains upward tensionon webbing. Remember with regard to the stokes basket function the TURK stayssecured by maintaining that binding pressure. Note that most escalators are equippedwith a shock sensor that if jarred will stop the escalator.

When coming off escalator do not pull the basket against the riser before it has collapsed simply let it roll off. When going downan escalator rescuer at foot end proceeds rst while maintaining constant upward tension with webbing. Rescuer at head guidesTURK onto escalator, once the escalator riser extends fully the rescuer at head pulls basket maintaining rm contact with thewheels of the TURK and the escalator riser. When at the bottom of the escalator rescuer at foot pulls webbing and kart clear ofplatform while rescuer at head guides basket. Once clear of stairs or escalator both rescuers move to head and pull basket or

backboard to desired location. When navigating stairs the approach is the same as the escalator operation however the rescuer atthe foot end will be required to lift up on his webbing in order to clear each riser.

It will be a coordinated effort between rescuer at head and rescuer at foot. Rescuer at foot adjusts webbing to a good workinglength and with legs lifts kart only high enough to clear riser while rescuer at head rolls kart across tread. This operation isrepeated until stairs are cleared (see g. #8).

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