What is a litter?

A litter is a specialized piece of equipment designed specifically for the safe transport of patients, especially in rescue situations. It typically consists of a frame or platform that allows for a person who is injured or incapacitated to be safely secured and moved from one location to another, often on uneven or difficult terrain. The design of the litter is intended to provide stability, support, and protection for the patient, minimizing further injury during transport.

This is crucial in rescue operations, where conditions may not allow for the patient to be moved easily, and ensuring their safety while transporting them to a location where they can receive medical attention is paramount. Other options do not accurately describe a litter; for instance, it is not used for scaling walls, nor is it synonymous with a rescue helicopter or standard climbing gear. The emphasis is always on the safety and protection of the injured individual during transport, which is the fundamental purpose of a litter.