Airplane Evacuation Sling for Wheelchair Users
Author: ADAPTS LLC
Published: 2017/10/28 - Updated: 2023/09/19
Publication Type: Product Release / Update
Topic: Disability Product Investors - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: ADAPTS solves the longstanding problem of how to quickly and safely evacuate people with disabilities and injured people from disasters. As wheelchair travelers increase in number and take to the skies, it is only a matter of time until one of us is caught in a life-and-death situation on an airplane.
Introduction
ADAPTS LLC has announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for the world's first affordable and portable emergency evacuation sling for wheelchair users on an airplane. Simultaneously, A Disabled Passenger Transfer Sling (ADAPTS), will be demonstrated for the first time at the Abilities Expo in San Mateo, Calif. this weekend.
Focus
Transfer Sling Targeted for Emergency Evacuations
ADAPTS solves the longstanding problem of how to quickly and safely evacuate people with disabilities and injured people from disasters. ADAPTS' lightweight and strong fabric allows rescuers to move people to first responders. The convenient sling is essential anywhere a disaster strikes, including aircraft, cruise ships, public venues, hotels and homes.
The compact sling is easy for travelers to carry. It can be used to rescue people from anywhere a stretcher can't go, such as floods, hurricanes, fires or earthquakes.
"When I was a flight attendant, I knew we needed a better way to save people, an actual device to move passengers with disabilities away from an airplane crash fast," Robin Wearley, founder of ADAPTS LLC, said.
"Every day I worry about people in wheelchairs who travel on planes," Wearley added.
Precious Time and Lives Can be Saved with ADAPTS
"Products like the ADAPTS system fill an important safety need for the entire disabled community," Jeff Butler, 2016 Paralympic Games USA wheelchair rugby team silver medalist, said.
There is no affordable assistive device available in the marketplace today that carries wheelchair users or the injured down a narrow aisle to emergency exits during an airplane evacuation, according to ADAPTS LLC research.
"As wheelchair travelers increase in number and take to the skies, it is only a matter of time until one of us is caught in a life-and-death situation on an airplane," John Morris.
Currently, the grab and run method is the primary way airline crews get wheelchair passengers off of planes. ADAPTS allows anybody to rescue passengers, saving precious time during an emergency. Once at the bottom of the slide, they can be rapidly carried to first responders.
"Any evacuation device needs to be fast and simple to use, water and flame resistant, and have no sharp points to puncture inflatable slides," Wearley said.
Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by ADAPTS LLC and published on 2017/10/28, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, ADAPTS LLC can be contacted at adapts.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.