RexONE Mobile Extraction Device

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by Robert Dunivin, EMSCI #205, Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department

The concept of being able to use a bicycle to move a patient to either an awaiting ambulance or aid station has great merit. Rather than navigating a gas-powered or electric med cart through crowded areas and tight spaces, the idea of a collapsible trailer towed by a bicycle is very intriguing and could be a practical solution in a variety of situations.

About a decade ago, I saw the development of the “EMSled Patient Transporter” by a member of my department. The EMSled from Rescue U Disaster Services was a wheeled litter designed to be towed behind a bicycle for patient transport.

Though Rescue U Disaster Services is no longer in business, the original design for a bicycle-based transport device (developed in conjunction with the Captain who founded the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Bike Medic Team) has now been improved and transformed into the RexONE Mobile Extraction Device.

Now owned by REX EMS, LLC., the RexONE Mobile Extraction Device is a ruggedly designed, mobile stretcher that enables a single responder to rapidly move the injured through the toughest conditions. The aerodynamic frame and unique wheel system support up to 400 pounds while providing a 360-degree turn radius for precision handling and stability. The multi-function, adjustable design does the work of a stretcher, gurney, and decent chair all in one system.

In brief, REX EMS has taken the basic concept and improved it into a multi-platform patient transport device. As a result, this device is now a more versatile tool for EMS agencies. This one device can be carried in MCI caches, on ambulances, and/or used by the Bike Medic Team.

Because of its design and materials, it is easy to decon and would work well in the hazardous materials environment for moving non-ambulatory, contaminated patients through a Decon Corridor. With its large wheels, the RexONE is ideal for moving patients out of a Hazmat Hot Zone as well as an Active Shooter Hot or Warm Zone. The REX One can be configured to put the patient in a seated, flat, or shock position with just a few adjustments.

The RexONE frame consists of a patented, tri-panel system comprising a head panel, a center panel, and a foot panel. Each panel is framed by tubular T-6 aircraft aluminum and welded support panels with circular vents to provide increased structural strength while maintaining a lightweight and sleek profile.

Articulating high-strength steel hinge joints connect the three panels and enable them to be adjusted to multiple transport positions. These transport positions can be changed quickly by pulling release cables, which are located between both the head panel and the foot panel.

The head and foot kickstands can be extended to transform the RexONE into a patient treatment cot or folded under the head or foot panels to deploy it as a mobile stretcher. There is a telescoping pull handle that folds under the foot panel for this purpose. The wheel fenders protect patients from contact with the tires and prevent road debris from shooting off tires.

With a quick change from the handle to the bike hitch, it can be towed behind the bike. With the older designs, it would have had to be brand-specific. Chris Guerrero at REX EMS felt there was a better way to make the hitch design and really put together the ideal setup comprising a bike tow hitch and tow bar. The bike tow hitch attaches to the rear wheel via a quick-release axle. This results in a stronger connection that is easily adjustable to multiple brands and frame sizes; ideal for a team that has bikes of various makes, models, and sizes.

The RexONE tows very easily, with or without patients, but you do need to be mindful that it is trailing behind you. It can be folded up for a smaller footprint when not being used for transport, but I could see someone cutting behind the bike, not paying attention, and tripping over it.

The RexONE is definitely more maneuverable than an electric or gas med cart; however, the device does affect the overall maneuverability of the bike. Just for fun, we took the RexONE through the IPMBA cone courses. Even the most skilled instructor managed to sweep half of the cones on the Lock-to-Lock and failed the Offset Serpentine miserably. He didn’t even bother with the Box. But how well would a med cart do?

While I really like the versatility of the RexONE, I don’t think it’s the “be-all and end-all” for every bike team. You have to really examine your team’s operations, starting with asking some basic questions. Do you have the need to transport to aid stations, or are you moving patients from inside a venue to an awaiting ambulance? Do you deploy in remote areas with limited vehicle access, like a trail system?

While it works for some of our deployments, for many others, it isn’t practical. When our team deployed to the music raves, it worked very well for us; however, since the City of Los Angeles banned raves in favor of more calm music festivals, our needs as a bike team have changed, so we don’t use them as much, but we still do use them during some events.

From a bike standpoint, I would not recommend the RexONE for a ALOC patient, combative person, or in a situation in which you need to manage an airway or provide constant treatment. It is great for the BLS patient, but the best application(s) will be determined by the type of deployment and department protocols.

My main suggestion to improve the RexONE for bike team use is to increase its visibility. Adding reflective striping and lighting (emergency and/or standard taillights) would make pedestrians more aware of the bike’s expanded profile.

What I really like the most is that this one device has multiple uses, which makes it an easier sell to a fire department or EMS agency. If you purchase the RexONE, it doesn’t just have to sit in the cabinet and only go out with the Bike Team. It has potential beyond just a bike team patient transport tool, and by recognizing the many uses, your investment will be maximized.

Rex EMS has developed the original EMSled concept into a high-quality, versatile device. The RexOne definitely has a place in EMS, and EMS cycling; it is just up to you and your agency to determine how to use to maximize its effectiveness. My best recommendation is to have them out and give it an honest trial on your own.

Visit www.rapidextraction.com for more information and contact Linda Morin at linda@rapidextraction.com or 714-595-9392 to request a demo unit.

Bob holds the rank of Engineer with the Los Angeles Fire Department and has been a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department Bike Medic Team since 2004. He has been an IPMBA Instructor since 2008. He can be reached at rdunivin@gmail.com.

Photos courtesy Bob Dunivin.

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