COMPACT CASUALTY EXTRACTION

Soft Gurney

Deploy. Carry. Extract.

Equip your team with an ultra-lightweight, flexible stretcher for casualty extraction where access and carrying space are limited.

APCO Aviation Defense’s Soft Gurney weighs less than 300 grams and folds to approximately the size of a soda can, making it practical to carry alongside essential operational equipment.

Designed for military, emergency medical, and rescue teams, its flexible construction and central zipper support casualty handling in rubble, narrow passages, stairwells, and other environments where rigid stretchers are difficult to position.

Soft Gurney with its three-quarter length central zipper opened
APCO Soft Gurney ultra-lightweight flexible stretcher

A Compact Extraction Solution for Demanding Environments

Casualty extraction can begin in places with little room to work: a damaged building, a narrow stairwell, a small elevator, or an obstructed passage. Rescue teams need equipment they can carry to the casualty and deploy within the available space.

APCO’s Soft Gurney combines a compact packed size with a flexible textile body, helping teams prepare casualties for carrying through restricted environments.

  • Military Casualty Extraction: Support extraction from confined positions, damaged structures, and difficult terrain with a stretcher that takes up minimal space in individual or team equipment.

  • Urban Emergency Response: Give paramedics and first responders a flexible carrying solution for bathrooms, narrow hallways, stairwells, and elevators where positioning a rigid stretcher can be challenging.

  • Search, Rescue, and Disaster Response: Carry compact extraction equipment into obstructed environments where access, portability, and working space shape the rescue operation.

Soft Gurney folded down to the size of a soda can

Designed Around Access, Portability, and Handling

  • Less Than 300 Grams: The Soft Gurney adds casualty extraction capability to existing equipment with minimal weight.
  • Packs to Approximately the Size of a Soda Can: Folds into a compact package for easy carrying and storage.
  • Central Zipper for Positioning Around the Casualty:

    The Soft Gurney’s three-quarter-length zipper supports placement beneath the casualty in confined spaces, helping reduce repositioning.

  • Flexible, High-Strength Fabrics: Technical textiles conform around the casualty and accommodate restricted spaces.

  • Reinforced Carrying Handles: Multiple webbing grip points support coordinated handling by rescue teams.
  • On-Product Operating Guide: A schematic label on the Soft Gurney provides a quick deployment reference to complement team training.

APCO Aviation Defense: Technical Textile Expertise Applied to Casualty Extraction

APCO Aviation Defense brings its experience in parachute systems, load-bearing textile structures, and defense applications to the practical challenges of casualty extraction.

The Soft Gurney applies that knowledge to a clear operational requirement: combining low packed weight, flexible construction, and reinforced carrying points in equipment that teams can bring into restricted spaces.

For defense procurement teams, emergency services, and rescue organizations, APCO Aviation Defense provides a technical point of contact to discuss the product’s construction, operating requirements, and suitability for the intended application.

Evaluate the Soft Gurney for Your Operational Requirements

Selecting casualty extraction equipment requires a clear understanding of the environment, expected loads, team procedures, and equipment already in use.

Discuss your requirements with APCO, including:

  • Intended military, medical, or rescue application.

  • Casualty load and handling requirements.

  • Access restrictions and anticipated extraction routes.

  • Compatibility with existing evacuation equipment.

  • Training, inspection, cleaning, and storage procedures.

  • Required testing documentation and procurement specifications.

The APCO project journey

From Requirement to Mission Readiness

We work with your team through every stage of the project to deliver reliable, mission-ready solutions.

01

Define Requirements

Align on mission needs, operational constraints, and success criteria.

02

Design & Develop

Engineer lightweight, low-bulk solutions built around performance.

03

Test & Validate

Prototype and test to verify reliability and safety.

04

Produce & Deliver

Manufacture with quality control and timely delivery.

05

Support & Sustain

Provide documentation, training, and ongoing support.

Trust & Compliance

Trusted in Mission-Critical Environments

APCO Aviation Defense works within the standards, certifications, and regulatory frameworks that support defense and aerospace programs.

ISO & AS Certifications

ITAR

EAR

DFARS

NIST

Berry Amendment

Buy American Act

Wassenaar Arrangement

Supplier Partnerships

Offset Program Support

Why APCO Aviation Defense

Casualty Extraction Expertise. Compact by Design.

APCO Aviation Defense combines more than 50 years of aviation manufacturing experience with expertise in lightweight technical textiles and load-bearing structures. The Soft Gurney applies this knowledge to casualty extraction, bringing together compact packing, flexible construction, and reinforced carrying points for teams operating in restricted spaces.

Operationally Focused Design

The Soft Gurney addresses the access and handling challenges military, medical, and rescue teams face in confined environments.

Lightweight, Compact Construction

Weighing less than 300 grams and packing to approximately the size of a soda can, the Soft Gurney fits alongside essential equipment.

Technical Textile Expertise

APCO combines high-strength fabrics, reinforced webbing handles, and a central zipper to support positioning and coordinated casualty handling.

Application-Focused Evaluation

APCO helps teams assess Soft Gurney specifications, handling requirements, and available validation documentation against their intended operational use.

Technical insights & resources

Insights for recovery and protection decision-makers

Practical guidance on UAV recovery, parachute systems and protective textiles from APCO’s engineering team.

FAQ

Frequently
Asked
Questions

Find quick answers about our solutions, capabilities, and how we work.

What is the APCO Soft Gurney designed for?

The Soft Gurney is designed for casualty extraction and carrying in confined or obstructed environments where a rigid stretcher may be difficult to position. Applications include military extraction, urban emergency response, search and rescue, and disaster response.

How much does the Soft Gurney weigh, and how small does it pack?

The Soft Gurney weighs less than 300 grams and folds to approximately the size of a soda can. Its compact format makes it practical to carry alongside other operational equipment.

How does the central zipper help during deployment?

The three-quarter-length central zipper allows the gurney to open around the casualty, helping rescuers position the flexible material beneath them in limited working space. Placement should follow the approved operating procedure and appropriate casualty-handling protocols.

Can it be used in stairwells, small elevators, and narrow hallways?

These are among its intended application environments. Its flexible body can accommodate restricted spaces where a rigid stretcher is difficult to maneuver. Suitability depends on the casualty’s condition, available personnel, extraction route, and operating procedures.

Does the Soft Gurney provide spinal immobilization?

Its flexible construction should not be assumed to provide spinal immobilization. When spinal injury is suspected, trained personnel should follow their clinical protocols and use the appropriate immobilization equipment. Contact APCO Aviation Defense to clarify compatibility with your existing systems.

What is the maximum casualty weight, and how many rescuers are required?

Load capacity and the required carrying team must be confirmed against APCO Aviation Defense’s current product specifications and approved handling instructions. Request these details when evaluating the Soft Gurney for your organization.

 

What testing and technical documentation are available?

Contact APCO Aviation Defense to request current product specifications, operating instructions, and available testing or validation documentation relevant to your intended use. Procurement teams can also discuss any additional documentation required for their evaluation.