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

Purpose of this Manual

This 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 w w w. T U R K r e s c u e . c o m

Safety: Safety is essential in the use of the TURK. This instruction manual and any markings on the device provide information for avoiding hazards and unsafe practices related to the use of this device. Observe all of the safety information provided. Caution: Read and understand all of the instructions and safety information in this manual before operating the TURK. Failure to observe this precaution may result in injury or property damage.

Description
The TURK is a two wheel multipurpose collapsible portable rescue kart. The rescue kart offers various functions for rst responders when dealing with Rescues, Hazardous Materials and Mass casualty incidents. The kart helps transport a stokes basket loaded with reghting tools and equipment used by Rapid Intervention Teams or Hazardous Material Teams. It can transport civilian persons or equipment laden reghters either in re gear or level 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 added feature of operating as a hand truck for transporting fans, hydraulic electric motors and other small but heavy pieces of equipment. Its adaptability to situations where manpower is limited and speed is crucial such as a combat operation is ideal. The Kart can be kept in a folded position in a compartment or attached to the exterior of the apparatus with optional mounting bracket. The kart can accommodate both metal and plastic stoke baskets and most backboards 16-20 in width. The TURK weighs approximately 43lbs. and has a rated capacity of 600lbs.

Stokes Basket Function

Figure 1 When transporting the stokes basket simply slide the foot end of the basket through the cradle portion of the TURK. A stokes basket or ladder can be inserted from either side of the cradle however the maximum ground clearance will be achieved when the diamond plate surface is up. Loading the basket can be accomplished while on the apparatus or the ground. If on the apparatus the stokes basket must be within 3 of the ground otherwise it will have to be positioned on the ground and then slid into the cradle of the TURK. Slide the basket out of its compartment far enough to slide the TURK about 1/3 the way up the basket 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 and takes position at the head of the stokes. At this point more tools and equipment such as saws can be added to the basket. The TURK stays secured by maintaining a binding force on 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 as long 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 that keeps the TURK secured to the stokes basket. When attaching the TURK to the stokes basket on the ground two rescuers facing one another at foot grasp top bar of TURK with hand closest to head end of stokes basket while reaching through cradle of TURK and grabbing foot end of basket pulling up basket far enough 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 wheels Figure 2 will make it easier to roll. When transporting patients special care and attention must be adhered 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 taken when making quick turns. Taking an abrupt turn while moving at a swift speed will cause theTURK to tilt and possibly roll over. Moving at swift speeds will require a two rescuer operation.

Backboard Function
The TURK can be used to transport most backboards 16-20 in width (see g. #3). The adjustable paws used to secure the backboard is`secured on the backside of the diamond toe plate by two quick release pins. Remove pins and adjustable paws. Figure 3

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Insert adjustable paws into their receiver slots by pulling up on the afxed plunger pins located at the top of kart (see g. #4). Slide the paws all the way in. After the patient is secured to a backboard rescuers slide the foot end of the backboard into the diamond toe plate portion of the TURK. There are an assortment of holes in the diamond toe plate that will coincide with the cut out handle slots of most backboards Figure 5 (see g. #5). Insert the two quick Figure 4 release pins into the holes that line up with the cut out handles of backboard. Rescuers then pull up on plunger pins and adjust paws inward rmly against the backboard making sure the plunger pins lock. Patient is ready to be moved. Rescuer lifts head of backboard and rolls patient to destination. Depending on patient size it may require two rescuers to roll patient. Note that with this function the TURK can be pushed or pulled with the exception of stairs and obstructions then it must be pulled.

Ladder Function
The 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 position the TURK at the tip of the ladder because the tormentors at the heel end exceed the width of the TURKs cradle. Simply slide the tip of the ladder out two to three rungs and slide TURK diamond plate out, rst onto the tip. With the 45-50 pole ladder its recommended that two reghters move to the heel section lift and roll ladder to position. When using the TURK to move portable ground ladder and tools, simply position the TURK over the heal of the ladder three to four rungs toward tip and load ladder with desired tools (see g. #7).

Navigating Stairs and Escalators

The 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 stokes basket or backboard will proceed rst. The rescuer at the foot end will loop the attached webbing around the bar located below axle. When going up an escalator rescuer at head maintains a secure grip while rescuer at the foot end maintains upward tension on webbing. Remember with regard to the stokes basket function the TURK stays secured by maintaining that binding pressure. Note that most escalators are equipped with a shock sensor that if jarred will stop the escalator. Figure 6 When coming off escalator do not pull the basket against the riser before it has collapsed simply let it roll off. When going down an escalator rescuer at foot end proceeds rst while maintaining constant upward tension with webbing. Rescuer at head guides TURK onto escalator, once the escalator riser extends fully the rescuer at head pulls basket maintaining rm contact with the wheels of the TURK and the escalator riser. When at the bottom of the escalator rescuer at foot pulls webbing and kart clear of platform 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 at the 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 working length and with legs lifts kart only high enough to clear riser while rescuer at head rolls kart across tread. This operation is repeated until stairs are cleared (see g. #8).

Figure 7

Figure 8

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