rescue tip-board by spark design is an inflatable tilting life-raft

rescue tip-board by spark design is an inflatable tilting life-raft
images courtesy of spark design

spark design & innovation’s ‘rescue tip-board’ is a fully inflatable life-raft that tilts to lever drowning victims on board. the tool was developed alongside specialists HONOR safety & consultancy, as well as tested through-out by the fire-fighters of the haaglanden and utrecht regions. these workers can reach people in shallow waters quickly and haul them out of the water without using excessive force. simply stand on the back of the raft and the structure leans downwards again. the craft is a shortlisted entry in the product category of the dutch design awards.

the craft is filled up by a compressed air cylinder that is coupled with the ‘rescue tip-board’. the reason for being inflatable is to make it lighter, more compact, easier to fold up and transport, and cheaper as well. research on existing tools that are used by the emergency services for similar operations, were carried out throughout its development.

a fireman from the haagladnden safety region said, ‘with the rescue tip-board we can reach drowning people quicker, and for the victim and for us its a less invasive and a much safer way to save them. this product really makes the difference between life and death.’

by holding on to the victim, the rescuer leans back to tilt and lever them on board

the tip-board with its bag and air cylinder

the handy storage bag eases its transportation