The Awesome Science Behind the DEC’s Unusual Rescue Tool

If you get seriously hurt on a hike in New York, there's a good chance you'll come face-to-face with ranger from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. What happens next, however, is completely up to them.

Wilderness rescues come in all shapes and sizes, and many factors come into play when deciding on how to safely move an injured subject. One strategy is more fascinating than the rest... and that includes being hoisted by a helicopter.

Emergency Wilderness Rescues in New York State

The type of emergency response depends on the emergency, and in the case of injured hikers, much of the consideration goes to two factors: the injury and the terrain. While helicopter rescues are necessary for hard-to-reach places, another strategy can be utilized that looks like it's right out of the stone age.

Injured Hikers Rescued with a Backpack Litter

While the device might look simple, it's anything but. Playfully nicknamed the "pain train" by rangers, this special device uses analog technology to safely move a patient down tricky trails. Meet the backpack litter (below).

How Does a Backpack Litter Work?

As the video shows, backpack litters use a deceptively simple method to more easily carry an injured person over rough terrain. The backpacks, which hold the litter, help distribute the subject's weight evenly. A clever attachment system offers smoother movement over treacherous terrain.

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While ingenious, the contraption still has its downsides. The width of the crossbars means that rangers are often walking off-trail, and dangerous conditions like snow, ice, and rough trails can make travel difficult. Luckily, rangers train for these types of rescues as well as many others. Check out more below.