FLACS
Flexible Lifting and Carrying System
A purpose-built manual handling device engineered for the rapid, safe, and dignified relocation of personnel in demanding and high-stress environments. Developed with extensive experience in lifting and carrying techniques, it significantly minimises the risk of injury to both the subject and the operating team, ensuring critical operations are conducted with enhanced safety and efficiency.
Who’s it for
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Police
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Armed Services
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Fire Services
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Boat Services
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Emergency Services
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Prison Service
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Mountain Rescue
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Outdoor Pursuits
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Trains and Railway Stations
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Security Agencies
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Undertakers
Prices available upon request
Product description
The Flexible Lifting and Carrying System (FLACS) is a robust and versatile manual handling aid, meticulously designed for professional use in scenarios where swift and secure personnel movement is paramount. Its core design philosophy centres on providing a safe and effective means of moving individuals, enabling rapid extraction while rigorously minimising the risk of injury to all involved parties.
A critical design consideration is the proactive avoidance of positional asphyxia, demonstrating a profound understanding of patient safety during transport. Constructed from exceptionally high-quality, lightweight yet remarkably strong Rip Stop fabric, the system is built for durability, allowing it to be dragged or lifted without sustaining damage. Its elegant and compact form factor ensures ease and comfort of use and application, even in confined or challenging spaces.
The system is engineered to be completely flexible, adapting seamlessly to any operational scenario, from routine transfers to complex emergency extractions. Furthermore, it incorporates a 'Dignity Cover' for sensitive casualty removals, ensuring respect and privacy during critical moments.
Key features
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Robust Construction: Made from very high quality, light yet exceptionally strong Rip Stop fabric, enabling the system to be carried or dragged without damage.
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Multi-Personnel Operation: Designed for use by 1 to 6 team members simultaneously, offering adaptability to various operational requirements and team sizes.
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Positional Asphyxia Avoidance: Specifically engineered to prevent positional asphyxia, prioritising the safety and well-being of the subject during transport.
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Diagnostic Imaging Compatibility: Can remain on the subject during MRI, CT, and X-Ray scans thanks to a metal-free design.
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Intuitive Application: Features a colour-coded strap system for safe, simple, and logical application, reducing the potential for error in high-pressure situations.
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Secure Handling: Equipped with anti-slip soft grip carry handles on all systems, providing enhanced grip and control in diverse conditions.
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Versatile Fastenings: Offers a choice of securement options including Velcro®, plastic or metal ‘D’ rings, and a Trident buckle.
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Dignified Transport: Includes a removable 'Dignity Cover' for sensitive casualty removals, ensuring the subject is fully covered and treated with respect.
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Tactical Colour: VariantsAvailable in medical green or tactical black to suit operational needs and environments.
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Durable Padding: Constructed with 8mm PE foam, covered with high-quality nylon for comfort, protection, and durability.
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Reinforced Structure: Features a reinforced back section to improve support and handling during lifting or dragging scenarios.
Version
Weight
Reusable
Use case
Comfort
1.6kg
Yes
Standard, versatile option for general use and routine transfers.
Disposable
0.5kg
No
Lightweight, single-use solution ideal for hygiene-critical or contamination scenarios.
Bariatric
2.25kg
Yes
Designed to safely accommodate larger subjects, ensuring secure and dignified movement.
Disposable Bariatric
1kg
No
Combines bariatric capacity with single-use convenience for specific operational needs.
Battlefield Variant
N/A (multi-functional with 3 body carrying straps)
Yes
Engineered for "care under fire" extraction, offering extreme flexibility for military and tactical operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the primary target audience for this system?
The FLACS system is specifically designed for professional use by emergency services personnel, including police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, as well as military operators and medical professionals. Its features and robust construction are tailored to meet the rigorous demands of high-pressure, critical environments where reliability and safety are paramount.
What distinguishes the Flexible Lifting and Carrying System (FLACS) from other lifting devices?
The FLACS system stands apart due to its comprehensive focus on human-centric design and operational versatility. Key differentiators include its ability to prevent positional asphyxia, its compatibility with MRI, CT, and X-Ray scans for seamless medical integration, and its construction from durable Rip Stop fabric. Furthermore, its design allows for use by 1 to 6 team members, and it offers specialised variants, such as the battlefield version, to cater to diverse operational needs.
Can the system be used in all environments?
Yes, the Flexible Lifting and Carrying System is described as "COMPLETELY FLEXIBLE" and adaptable for "ANY SCENARIO." This inherent versatility ensures its effectiveness across a wide range of unpredictable and demanding operational environments, from urban emergencies to remote tactical situations.
How does the system contribute to operator safety?
The FLACS system is designed to significantly reduce the risk of manual handling injuries for operators, a common concern in professions requiring frequent lifting and carrying. It features anti-slip soft grip handles and a colour-coded strap system, which promotes safe, simple, and logical application, thereby enhancing overall operational safety and efficiency.
Is there a version suitable for military operations?
Absolutely. A dedicated "battlefield variant" of the Flexible Lifting and Carrying System exists. This version has been specifically highlighted by a retired military surgeon as an effective "care under fire" extraction device, offering multi-functionality and a selection of three different body carrying straps for exceptional flexibility in combat and tactical scenarios.
What is the purpose of the "dignity cover"?
The 'Dignity Cover' is an integral component of the FLACS system, designed for sensitive casualty removals. Its purpose is to fully cover the device and the subject during transport, ensuring privacy and maintaining the individual's dignity in critical and often public situations. This feature underscores the system's compassionate and respectful approach to personnel relocation. Sources and related content
Have questions?
Get in touch with our team for more information.
What our customers think of our products
I am of the opinion that this, essentially a very safe and easy to use device and the user would have confidence in its safety and reliability. Specifically I am satisfied there is no risk to the individual’s airway (A), Breathing mechanism (B) or Circulation (C). I believe this device will reduce the risk of manual handling injuries being caused to officers carrying out the lifting procedure. Properly applied, the straps pose no hazard to limb circulation. ”
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PROFESSOR JAMES M RYAN
OBE OSU, MB, MCh, FRCS, FCEM, DMCC Emeritus Professor, Centre for Trauma, Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine, St Georges University of London & International Professor of Surgery,
Prior to the introduction of FLACS we only had the option to teach officers a 5 officer hands on manual handling technique. Officers found the technique difficult in the training environment let alone remembering it under stress in a live incident.
We know from our records that during live incidents there were high levels of risk of injury to officers and the detained person. The introduction of FLACS in 2018 has negated these issues. The equipment was very easy to train due to the colour coding and simple instructions printed on the kit. It has been well received by students.
We know from our records that during live incidents there were high levels of risk of injury to officers and the detained person. The introduction of FLACS in 2018 has negated these issues. The equipment was very easy to train due to the colour coding and simple instructions printed on the kit. It has been well received by students.
GRAHAM BEND
Special Operations Trainer - West Yorkshire Police (October 2018)
“Since the introduction of FLACs, we have seen a greatly reduced number of back injuries from lifting subjects. Officers are no longer having to use a 4/5 officer lift holding onto the body parts of a violent subject but can instead use correct manual handling methods.”
PC Mat Silvey
Lead Personal Safety Co-ordinator, Dorset Police