Quick Extraction Strap Kit Setup Instructions

Setting up a quick casualty extraction strap takes less than five minutes and requires just two knots. In use, it transfers the load to the casualty's belt, which prevents the casualty's plate carrier from riding up into their neck and throat and causing injury.

To get started, fold the webbing in half and tie an overhand knot to create a loop that's a couple of inches long. This is where the carabiner will live.

Next, take the two loose ends of the webbing and thread them through MOLLE on the back of your plate carrier (or similar). The image below demonstrates the shape the webbing should be in - just weave the "uprights" through the back of your kit so the carabiner lies near the bottom rear, with just enough slack to clip to your belt.

Once that's done, tie the loose ends in a water knot - that is, make a loose overhand knot with one end, then run the other end back through it from the opposite direction retracting the same path.

Once this is all done, you'll have a completed casualty extraction strap! The last step is to take up the slack from the strap and secure it (generally using rubber bands or "ranger bands") to the back of your carrier. When someone grabs the strap (roughly at the water knot) and pulls, the rubber bands will let the strap loose - but in the meantime, you won't have loose webbing hanging around.

When you don your kit, clip the carabiner to your belt (both belts, if you're running an inner/outer system) and you're ready to roll. When the strap is used, the force is transferred to your belt via the strap and carabiner, pulling you along by your belt rather than by your carrier, which prevents the carrier from riding up into your neck and throat.