What is the status of collapsible stokes litters for use on surface ships?

Collapsible stokes litters are not permitted for use on surface ships because they do not meet the required safety and operational standards for patient transport in these specific environments. This restriction often stems from concerns about the structural integrity of collapsible litters, particularly in rough sea conditions where stability and reliability are crucial for safe patient handling. The standardization of equipment used for patient transfer ensures consistency and safety across all scenarios, which is vital in maritime operations.

In contrast, options that suggest the litters could be allowed under certain conditions—whether with guidelines, for trained personnel, or limited to emergency use—would imply that collapsible stokes litters could potentially meet some safety criteria. However, the overarching directive typically favors robust and stable equipment to minimize the risk of injuries to both the patient and the rescuers in dynamic marine environments. Thus, the definitive stance is that collapsible stokes litters are not permissible in such settings.